Here's the completed worksheet with explanations for each answer:
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Kinetic or Potential energy?
*Potential energy is stored energy and is waiting to work.
Kinetic energy is energy that is working.*
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1) When a dog is sleeping, it is _potential_ energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The dog is at rest — not moving. Its energy is stored (e.g., chemical energy in its body) and “waiting to work.” So it’s potential energy.
2) When a dog is running, it is _kinetic_ energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The dog is in motion — actively moving. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, so this is kinetic energy.
3) If the light is on, it is _kinetic_ energy.
✔ *Explanation:* When the light is on, electricity is flowing and producing light and heat — energy is actively being used (“working”). So it’s kinetic energy.
4) If the light is off, it is _potential_ energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The electrical energy is stored in the circuit/battery/power source, ready to be used when turned on. It’s “waiting to work,” so it’s potential energy.
5) When the orange is in the tree, it is _potential_ energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The orange has gravitational potential energy because of its height above the ground. It’s stored energy — if it falls, it will convert to kinetic energy.
6) When the orange is falling from the tree, it is _kinetic_ energy.
✔ *Explanation:* As the orange moves downward, it’s in motion — converting potential energy into kinetic energy. Motion = kinetic energy.
7) When the flash light is _off_, it is potential energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The battery stores chemical energy (potential) until the flashlight is turned on. No energy is being used yet — it’s “waiting to work.”
8) When the flash light is _on_, it is kinetic energy.
✔ *Explanation:* Once turned on, energy flows through the circuit, producing light and heat — energy is actively being used (“working”), so it’s kinetic.
9) When the blender is _off_, it is potential energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The electrical energy is stored in the outlet/battery. The blades aren’t moving — energy is waiting to be used.
10) When the blender is _on_, it is kinetic energy.
✔ *Explanation:* The motor spins the blades — motion is occurring. Energy is actively doing work (blending), so it’s kinetic energy.
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✔ Final Answer Key:
1) potential
2) kinetic
3) kinetic
4) potential
5) potential
6) kinetic
7) off
8) on
9) off
10) on
This worksheet helps students understand the difference between stored energy (potential) and energy in use/motion (kinetic) using everyday examples.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of kinetic energy worksheet answers.
