📚 Topic Summary
Energy is all around us, and it comes in different forms. Two important forms are kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion – anything that's moving has kinetic energy. The faster it moves, the more kinetic energy it has! Potential energy is stored energy, waiting to be released. Think of a ball held high in the air; it has potential energy because gravity can pull it down, converting that potential energy into kinetic energy as it falls.
This worksheet helps you explore the relationship between these two types of energy with fun activities!
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match each term with its correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Kinetic Energy |
A. Stored energy due to position or condition. |
| 2. Potential Energy |
B. The energy an object has due to its motion. |
| 3. Gravity |
C. The capacity to do work. |
| 4. Energy |
D. The force that attracts objects with mass towards each other. |
| 5. Velocity |
E. The speed of something in a given direction. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words: kinetic, potential, height, motion, energy.
An object's ___________ energy depends on its position or condition. For example, a ball held at a certain ___________ has gravitational ___________ energy. When the ball is released, this energy transforms into ___________ energy as the ball is in __________.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine a roller coaster. At what point on the track does the roller coaster have the most potential energy? At what point does it have the most kinetic energy? Explain your reasoning.