What are the differences between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy?

The differences between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy are as follows:-

Basis for Comparison	Kinetic Energy	Potential Energy
Definition	It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity.	It is the stored energy in an object or system because of its position or configuration.
Transferability	Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another, like in collisions.	Potential Energy cannot be transferred.
Relation to environment	Kinetic Energy of an object is relative to other moving and stationary objects in its immediate environment.	Potential Energy is not relative to the environment of an object.
SI Unit	Joule (J)	Joule (J)
Determining Factors	Speed/Velocity and mass	Speed/Velocity and mass
Formulae	K.E = $\displaystyle \frac{1}{2} \times $m.v$\displaystyle ^{2}$	P.E = mgh
Examples	Flowing water, such as when falling from a waterfall.	Water at the top of a waterfall, before the cliff.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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A ball is dropped from a height of 10 m:a. Its potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases during the fallsb. Its potential energy is equal to the kinetic energy during the fall.c. The potential energy decreases and the kinetic energy increases during the fall.d. The potential energy is zero and kinetic energy is maximum while it is falling.
A flying airplane possesses:(a)Only potential energy(b) Only kinetic energy(c) Both potential and kinetic energy(d) None of these
Which of the following energy change involves frictional force? (a) chemical energy to heat energy(b) kinetic energy to heat energy(c) potential energy to sound energy (d) chemical energy to kinetic energy
Water stored in a dam possesses:(a) no energy(b) electrical energy(c) kinetic energy(d) potential energy
A body is falling from a height $h$. After it has fallen a height $\frac{h}{2}$, it will possess$(a)$. only potential energy$(b)$. only kinetic energy$(c)$. half potential and half kinetic energy$(d)$. more kinetic and less potential energy
An object is falling freely from a height $x$. After it has fallen a height $\frac{x}{2}$, it will possess:(a) only potential energy(b) only kinetic energy(c) half potential and half kinetic energy(d) less potential and more kinetic energy
Relation Between Kinetic Energy and Momentum
The energy possessed by an oscillating pendulum of a clock is: (a) kinetic energy(b) potential energy(c) restoring energy(d) mechanical energy
What is Kinetic Energy?
(a) On what factors does the gravitational potential energy of a body depend? (b) Give one example each of a body possessing: (i) kinetic energy, and (ii) potential energy.
Which of the following type of energy is used by living organisms to perform vital life processes?Kinetic energy, Chemical energy, Potential energy, Nuclear energy.
What is Potential Energy? Does the potential energy depend on the path followed?
What is Potential Energy?
Give two examples where a body possesses both, kinetic energy as well as potential energy.

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