Potential energy can change into kinetic energy in various ways. Here are some simple examples:
Gravity: When you drop a ball, it has potential energy because it's up high. As it falls, that potential energy turns into kinetic energy, which is the energy of movement. You can think of it like this: ( \text{PE} = \text{mgh} ), where ( \text{m} ) is mass (how heavy it is), ( \text{g} ) is gravity (the force pulling it down), and ( \text{h} ) is height (how high it is).
Elastic Energy: When you stretch a rubber band, you store potential energy in it. Once you let go, that stored energy changes into kinetic energy, and the rubber band flies forward.
Chemical Reactions: Fuels have stored chemical energy. When these fuels burn, the potential energy is released as kinetic energy. This energy can power engines or create explosions.
These examples show how different types of energy can work together and change into each other.
Potential energy can change into kinetic energy in various ways. Here are some simple examples:
Gravity: When you drop a ball, it has potential energy because it's up high. As it falls, that potential energy turns into kinetic energy, which is the energy of movement. You can think of it like this: ( \text{PE} = \text{mgh} ), where ( \text{m} ) is mass (how heavy it is), ( \text{g} ) is gravity (the force pulling it down), and ( \text{h} ) is height (how high it is).
Elastic Energy: When you stretch a rubber band, you store potential energy in it. Once you let go, that stored energy changes into kinetic energy, and the rubber band flies forward.
Chemical Reactions: Fuels have stored chemical energy. When these fuels burn, the potential energy is released as kinetic energy. This energy can power engines or create explosions.
These examples show how different types of energy can work together and change into each other.