Let's solve this step-by-step by understanding the difference between
kinetic energy and
potential energy:
🔹 Definitions:
-
Potential Energy: Stored energy due to position, condition, or configuration. (e.g., height, compression, chemical state)
-
Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion. An object has kinetic energy when it is moving.
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Now let’s go through each scenario in the image and fill in the blanks:
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1. The ball on my hand has …………………… energy.
- The ball is at rest, held in the hand.
- It has
potential energy because of its position (height) above the ground.
✔ Answer: Potential
>
When I throw the ball, it is …………………… energy.
- Now the ball is in motion.
✔ Answer: Kinetic
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2. The orange falling from the tree has …………………… energy.
- The orange is moving downward → it’s in motion.
✔ Answer: Kinetic
>
The orange on the tree has …………………… energy.
- The orange is at rest but high up → stored energy due to height.
✔ Answer: Potential
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3. Water has …………………… energy when the dam is closed.
- Water is held back (at height), so it has stored gravitational potential energy.
✔ Answer: Potential
>
Water has …………………… energy when it flows.
- When water flows, it is moving → kinetic energy.
✔ Answer: Kinetic
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4. When a boy stands on a diving board, he has …………………… energy.
- He is at rest, elevated above the water → potential energy.
✔ Answer: Potential
>
When a boy jumps from a diving board, he has …………………… energy.
- He is in motion (falling) → kinetic energy.
✔ Answer: Kinetic
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5. When the light switch is off, it is …………………… energy.
- No electricity flowing → no motion or activity → stored energy (chemical/electrical potential).
✔ Answer: Potential
>
When the light switch is on, it is …………………… energy.
- Electricity is flowing → light and heat are produced → motion and energy transformation → kinetic energy.
✔ Answer: Kinetic
*(Note: This is a bit abstract — electrical energy can be seen as potential when stored, and kinetic when used. But in simple terms, "on" means energy is being used and converted into motion/light/heat → kinetic.)*
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6. When a cat is sleeping it is …………………… energy.
- At rest → not moving → no kinetic energy → stored energy (chemical, metabolic).
✔ Answer: Potential
>
When a cat is catching a mouse it …………………… energy.
- Moving, active, hunting → motion involved → kinetic energy.
✔ Answer: Kinetic
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✔ Final Answers:
1. The ball on my hand has
potential energy.
When I throw the ball, it is
kinetic energy.
2. The orange falling from the tree has
kinetic energy.
The orange on the tree has
potential energy.
3. Water has
potential energy when the dam is closed.
Water has
kinetic energy when it flows.
4. When a boy stands on a diving board, he has
potential energy.
When a boy jumps from a diving board, he has
kinetic energy.
5. When the light switch is off, it is
potential energy.
When the light switch is on, it is
kinetic energy.
6. When a cat is sleeping it is
potential energy.
When a cat is catching a mouse it
kinetic energy.
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🎯
Summary:
-
Potential energy = stored, at rest, due to position or state.
-
Kinetic energy = energy of motion.
This worksheet helps students visualize how energy transforms between these two forms! 🌟
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of kinetic and potential energy worksheet for middle school.
