In physics, the kinetic energy of an object is the energy that it possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity. Having gained this energy during its acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes.
In physics, potential energy is the energy held by an object because of its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, its electric charge, or other factors.
The main difference between potential and kinetic energy is that one is the energy of what can be and one is the energy of what is. In other words, potential energy is stationary, with stored energy to be released; kinetic energy is energy in motion, actively using energy for movement.
Answers & Comments
In physics, the kinetic energy of an object is the energy that it possesses due to its motion. It is defined as the work needed to accelerate a body of a given mass from rest to its stated velocity. Having gained this energy during its acceleration, the body maintains this kinetic energy unless its speed changes.
In physics, potential energy is the energy held by an object because of its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, its electric charge, or other factors.
The main difference between potential and kinetic energy is that one is the energy of what can be and one is the energy of what is. In other words, potential energy is stationary, with stored energy to be released; kinetic energy is energy in motion, actively using energy for movement.