How are kinetic and potential energy related?

1 answer

Kinetic and potential energy are related in that they are both forms of energy that can be converted into each other. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state. When an object is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy, and when that object is brought to rest, the kinetic energy is converted into potential energy. Likewise, when an object in a high position is allowed to fall, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it moves downward. In this way, kinetic and potential energy are interchangeable forms of energy.