How do kinetic and potential energy differ?

Kinetic energy and potential energy represent two fundamental forms of energy in physics and chemistry, each with distinct characteristics. Kinetic energy is defined as the energy of motion; it is dependent on the mass of an object and its velocity, following the formula KE = 1/2 mv². Essentially, any moving object, whether it's a car driving down the street or particles in a heated gas, possesses kinetic energy.

On the other hand, potential energy is associated with the position or configuration of an object within a force field, such as gravitational or electric fields. This energy can be thought of as stored energy; for example, an object held at a height has gravitational potential energy due to its elevated position relative to the ground. Similarly, a compressed spring has potential energy due to its compressed state.

The correct answer describes these concepts accurately, indicating that kinetic energy pertains to motion while potential energy is linked to storage based on an object's position. This distinction is crucial for understanding energy transformations that occur in physical systems, where energy can transition between kinetic and potential forms.

Each of the other answer choices misconstrues the definitions of these two types of energy:

• One option incorrectly assigns the definitions of potential energy as the energy of motion and kinetic energy as energy of