What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Kinetic energy refers to the energy an object possesses due to its motion. For instance, when a car is driving down the street, it has kinetic energy because it is moving. The faster the object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.

Potential energy, on the other hand, is energy that is stored based on an object’s position or configuration. A common example is a book placed on a shelf; it has potential energy due to its height above the ground. If the book were to fall, that potential energy would convert into kinetic energy as it moves downward.

This distinction between kinetic and potential energy is fundamental in understanding basic physics principles. The other options misrepresent the definitions of these energies, leading to confusion about their roles in physical processes. Recognizing that kinetic energy is motion-related while potential energy is related to position helps clarify many concepts in mechanics and energy conservation.