Kinetic and potential energy

In order to accelerate an object, we must apply force to it. We must put in the necessary effort in order to apply force. An object moves with a new constant speed when work is done on it because energy is transferred when work is done on it. The energy that is transported is referred to as kinetic energy, and it is dependent on the mass and speed that is reached.

The following is the definition of kinetic energy in Physics:

The kinetic energy of an object is a measure of the amount of work that an object can perform just by moving.

Kinetic energy is a scalar quantity, and it may be defined fully by its magnitude on a scale.

Units of Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is measured in Joules, which are equivalent to 1 kg.m2.s-2 in the International System of Units.

The erg unit of kinetic energy is used in the CGS.

Kinetic Energy Examples

• Because the truck’s mass is far more than the vehicle’s, a truck travelling down the road has more kinetic energy than a car travelling at the same speed in the same direction.

• Because water has a specific velocity and mass, kinetic energy is contained within a river flowing at a specific speed.

• The kinetic energy of an asteroid as it approaches the planet is enormous.

• Because of the enormous mass and rapid velocity of the aircraft, the kinetic energy of the aircraft increases during the flight.

Kinetic Energy Transformation

In the transfer of kinetic energy between things, it is possible for the energy to be changed into various types of power. The yo-yo is a fantastic example of how kinetic energy may be converted into potential energy. The ball is initially held in one’s hand while playing, and at this moment, all of the energy contained within it has been converted into potential energy and can be released as needed. The yo-yo is dropped and the stored energy is turned into kinetic energy, which is the energy of movement, as the person falls. All of the energy contained within the ball is converted to kinetic energy once it reaches its destination at the bottom of the yo-yo.

Different Types of Kinetic Energy

There are five different types of kinetic energy: radiant, thermal, acoustic, electrical, and mechanical. Radiant energy is the most common type. Let’s have a look at some kinetic energy samples and learn more about the many types of kinetic energy available.

Radiant energy

Energy that is always in motion as it travels across space or through a material is referred to as radiant energy (or kinetic energy). The following are examples of radiant energy:

Ultraviolet light

Gamma rays

Thermal energy

When atoms collide with one another, thermal energy, also known as heat energy, is generated as a result of the motion of the atoms. Thermal energy can be demonstrated by the following examples:

Hot springs

Heated swimming pool

Sound energy

The vibrating of an object results in the production of sound energy. However, sound energy cannot move in an empty space because there are no particles to act as a medium in a vacuum. Sound energy can be demonstrated by the following examples:

Tuning fork

Beating drums

Electrical energy

When free electrons with a positive or negative charge are released into the environment, electrical energy is produced. The following are some examples of electrical energy:

Lightning

When batteries are in use

Mechanical energy

It is known as mechanical energy, which is made up of the sum of kinetic and potential energy. Mechanical energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be transferred from one form to another. Mechanical energy can be demonstrated by the following examples:

Orbiting of satellites around the earth

A moving car

Potential Energy

A known property of objects is their ability to store energy as a result of their position. As an example, when you draw a bow and release it, some amount of energy is stored in the bow, which is responsible for the kinetic energy it gains when the bow is released. The following is the definition of potential energy:

In physics, potential energy is the energy that an object has due to its position in relation to other objects, internal stresses within the object, its electric charge, and other considerations.

In a similar way, when a spring is pushed from its equilibrium position, it gains some amount of energy, which we can witness in the form of tension we feel in our hand when we stretch the spring. Potential energy can be defined as a type of energy that results from a change in the position or condition of a particle or object.

Formula for Potential Energy

The force exerted on the two objects has an effect on the potential energy equation, which is given below. The gravitational force is represented by the following formula:

W = m×g×h = mgh

Where,

The mass in kilogrammes is denoted by m.

The acceleration owing to gravity is denoted by the symbol g.

In metres, h is the height of the person.

Potential Energy Unit

kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy have the same units as each other: kg.m2.s-2

Types of Potential Energy

Gravitational Potential Energy

When an object rises to a particular height against gravity, it has gravitational potential energy, which is defined as the energy possessed by the object as it rises. 

Elastic Potential Energy

Elastic potential energy is the energy held in items that have the ability to be compressed or extended, such as rubber bands, trampolines, and bungee cords, among other things. The more the ability of a thing to stretch, the greater the amount of elastic potential energy it possesses.

Conclusion

The kinetic energy of an object is a measure of the amount of work that it does as a result of its motion. Walking, jumping, throwing, and falling are all examples of actions that require kinetic energy. William Rankine, a Scottish engineer and scientist who lived in the nineteenth century, was the first to use the word potential energy. There are various different kinds of potential energy, each of which is related with a different kind of force. It is the amount of energy that an object has as a result of its position in relation to other objects.