Science Common Sense

421 - What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy in machines?

Imagine you're playing with a toy car.

Kinetic energy is like when the car is rolling (or moving). It's the energy it has because it's in motion. The faster it rolls, the more kinetic energy it has.

Potential energy is like when the car is at the top of a ramp before you roll it down. It has energy stored because it's high up, waiting to roll down. The higher it is, the more potential energy it has.

When you roll the car down the ramp, its potential energy (stored energy) turns into kinetic energy (moving energy).