Grade 5 Kinetic and Potential Energy Worksheets 2024 - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one. We’re deciding if something has kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy, waiting to be used).

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1. The ball on my hand → It’s not moving yet, just held up high. That’s potential energy.
When I throw the ball → Now it’s moving! That’s kinetic energy.

2. The orange falling from the tree → It’s moving down, so that’s kinetic energy.
The orange on the tree → Still hanging, not moving — that’s potential energy.

3. Water when the dam is closed → Water is held back, stored up high — that’s potential energy.
Water when it flows → Moving water = kinetic energy.

4. Boy stands on a diving board → He’s not moving yet, but he’s up high — potential energy.
Boy jumps from the diving board → Now he’s moving through the air — kinetic energy.

5. Light switch off → No electricity flowing, but energy is ready in the wires — this is tricky, but we say it’s potential energy (like stored power).
Light switch on → Electricity is flowing, light is made — that’s kinetic energy (energy in action).

6. Cat sleeping → Not moving at all — potential energy (resting, but could move anytime).
Cat catching a mouse → Running, jumping — definitely kinetic energy.

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Final Answer:
- The ball on my hand has potential energy.
- When I throw the ball, it is kinetic energy.
- The orange falling from the tree has kinetic energy.
- The orange on the tree has potential energy.
- Water has potential energy when the dam is closed.
- Water has kinetic energy when it flows.
- When a boy stands on a diving board, he has potential energy.
- When a boy jumps from a diving board, he has kinetic energy.
- When the light switch is off, it is potential energy.
- When the light switch is on, it is kinetic energy.
- When a cat is sleeping it is potential energy.
- When a cat is catching a mouse it kinetic energy.