Science Common Sense
208 - What is potential energy, and how is it different from kinetic energy?
Imagine you're at the top of a big slide. There are two kinds of energy at play here.
Potential energy: This is the energy you have because of your position or situation. Since you're at the top of the slide, you have the potential to roll down and go fast. This energy is stored inside you, like a battery waiting to be used.
Kinetic energy: This is the energy of motion. When you start rolling down the slide, your potential energy turns into kinetic energy. Now, you're moving really fast and using up that stored energy.
So, in short: potential energy is stored energy (like at the top of the slide), and kinetic energy is the energy you use when you're moving (like rolling down the slide).