1. Kinetic & Potential Energy

2. Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion or its stored energy of position. Mechanical energy can be either kinetic (energy of motion) or potential (energy of position).

3. Definitions Energy of motion Stored energy Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Energy of motion
Energy used when something is moving
Stored energy
Energy that is waiting to be used

4. Examples of Kinetic & Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy
Skating down a hill on a skateboard
Throwing a baseball
Jumping
A glass falling off a desk
A yo-yo falling towards the ground
Waiting at the top of a hill on a skateboard
Holding a baseball in the backswing
Bending your knees before you jump
A glass sitting on a desk
Winding up a yo-yo but holding on to it

5. Real Life Situation
I am trying to knock over this giant box in front of me. But when I try to push it, it doesn’t seem to work. What should I do?

6. Real Life Situation
I am going sledding, but I can never seem to make up the second hill. How can I sled up the 2nd hill?

7. Real Life Situation
I am trying to bump my friend’s car across the red line. But I can’t seem to get him to cross the line. What can I do to bump him across the line?

8. Toy Lab
Objective: To describe or illustrate how a toy uses kinetic or potential energy
With the toys provided:
Draw an illustration or write in words when a toy has the most potential energy
Draw an illustration or write in words when a toy has the most kinetic energy

9. Website Aids Springs Spool Racers Roller Coasters Skate Park
Pendulum Park
Quiz