Potential and kinetic energy exercise - Free Printable

Here's the completed worksheet with explanations for each answer:

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Potential and Kinetic Energy

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of energy the described object has.

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1. An apple falling from a tree → Kinetic Energy
*Explanation:* The apple is in motion as it falls, so it possesses kinetic energy — the energy of motion.

2. A stationary ball on the ground → Potential Energy *(or more precisely, Gravitational Potential Energy at reference point = 0, but typically we say "no energy" or "potential energy stored if lifted")*
*However, in elementary science contexts, since it’s not moving and not stretched/compressed, it’s often considered to have no significant energy — but technically, it still has gravitational potential energy relative to a lower point (like a hole). Since the question asks for “form of energy,” and it’s not moving, the best fit is Potential Energy, assuming it could be lifted or moved.*
✔ Answer: Potential Energy (commonly accepted in K-8 curriculum)

3. A sleeping dog → Potential Energy
*Explanation:* The dog is not moving, so no kinetic energy. But it has chemical potential energy stored in its body (from food) that can be converted to motion or heat. In basic physics, we often say stationary objects have potential energy if they can do work (e.g., jump up).

4. A boy running across the street → Kinetic Energy
*Explanation:* He is in motion — running — so he has kinetic energy.

5. A car traveling on the road → Kinetic Energy
*Explanation:* The car is moving, so it has kinetic energy.

6. A stretched rubber band → Potential Energy
*Explanation:* When stretched, the rubber band stores elastic potential energy. When released, this converts to kinetic energy.

7. A basketball being thrown → Kinetic Energy
*Explanation:* While being thrown, the ball is in motion. Even though it may also gain height (gaining gravitational potential energy), the act of “being thrown” implies motion — so kinetic energy is the primary form at that moment.

8. A girl biking at the park → Kinetic Energy
*Explanation:* She is moving — pedaling and riding — so she and the bike have kinetic energy.

9. A leaf lying on the ground → Potential Energy
*Explanation:* Like the ball on the ground, it’s not moving. But it still holds chemical potential energy (in its structure) and could be blown by wind (converted to kinetic). In basic science, we classify stationary objects as having potential energy.

10. A planet revolving around a star → Kinetic Energy
*Explanation:* The planet is in constant motion (orbiting), so it has kinetic energy. It also has gravitational potential energy due to its position in the star’s gravity well — but since it’s actively moving, kinetic energy is the most direct answer for “what energy does it have?” in this context.

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✔ Final Answers:

1. Kinetic Energy
2. Potential Energy
3. Potential Energy
4. Kinetic Energy
5. Kinetic Energy
6. Potential Energy
7. Kinetic Energy
8. Kinetic Energy
9. Potential Energy
10. Kinetic Energy

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📌 Quick Recap:

- Kinetic Energy = Energy of motion → anything moving.
- Potential Energy = Stored energy → not moving, but capable of doing work (e.g., stretched, raised, or chemically stored).

This worksheet helps students distinguish between motion (kinetic) and stored/stationary (potential) forms of energy — foundational for understanding energy transformation!

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or diagrams to go with it! 🌟