Energy and It’s Type
Energy is the measure of the capacity of an object to do work. More energy means more work can be done.
Energy comes in different forms such as light, sound, chemical, heat, and mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is the
energy of a particle due to its motion and its position. There are two types of mechanical energy, kinetic and potential
energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of bodies in motion while Potential energy is the energy possessed by objects due to
their position. In kinetic energy, the two factors involved are mass and the velocity. In the , KE= m(v) 2/2 where the
kinetic energy is directly proportional to the object’s mass and to the square of its velocity. This can be clearly explained
by these examples:
Potential energy is the energy possessed by bodies at rest. This type of potential energy due to an object’s position is
called Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE). In an equation, 𝑃𝐸 = 𝑚𝑔ℎ , where the mass, acceleration due to gravity and
height are directly proportional to it. The “zero point” of potential energy can be chosen by the physicist in solving the
problem. Depending on the situation, this could be the center of the earth, sea level, the floor, tabletop, or any other
point. Let us compare the PE of the rocks at different distances off the floor. In the examples below, let us consider the
floor as the zero point of the GPE:
The above examples show that PE energy was doubled when the altitude is doubled. This is also true when you
double the mass of the object.
But what happens to the potential energy of the rock when it falls off the container? As it falls, the PE energy
decreases and becomes zero as it reaches the floor. Does this mean that the energy has been dissipated? The answer is
NO. The PE energy was just converted to another form called kinetic energy. Let us consider at least 2 types of collision
to illustrate energy conversion:
Elastic Collisions –involve objects which separate after they collide, without any deformation or damage. Billiard balls,
ping-pong balls, and other hard objects may collide elastically. Kinetic energy is conserved in elastic collisions.
Inelastic Collisions- the objects separate after they collide and there is
deformation in some way by the interaction. Kinetic energy is not conserved. In this case, kinetic energy after the
collision is less than than before because the kinetic energy is converted into PE in the form of sound, heat, and
deformation of the objects.
Let us study energy conversions in a free fall and in a ball thrown upward:
Figure 1: You have learned that the velocity of a falling body increases by 9.8m/s in
every second of its fall. The apple is initially at rest therefore KE at its highest point is
zero while its PE is maximum. But its KE energy increases as it falls because the velocity
After 1 s increases while the PE decreases due to the decrease of height with respect to the
ground.
After 2 s Figure 2: The velocity of the ball decreases because it moves opposite to the pull of
gravity. The decrease in the velocity on its way up means a decrease in the ball’s KE. On
the other hand, PE increases since the height increases.
After analyzing the figure, you will come up with the idea that the loss of KE is the gain
After 3 s of PE and vice versa. The sum of the KE and PE at any point is equal. This only
Fig. 1 shows that energy was just converted, and nothing is lost.
Fig.2
Activity No.1: KINETIC ENERGY VERSUS POTENTIAL ENERGY
Direction: Complete the table by classifying the given descriptions as Kinetic or Potential energy. Write the number
associated with each type of energy.
MECHANICAL ENERGY DESCRIPTIONS:
KINETIC POTENTIAL 1. Energy possessed by moving objects.
2. Stored energy
1. 1. 3. mgh
4. Increases when velocity increases
2. 2.
5. The rock on top of the mountain
3. 3. 6. Maximum when the body at its
highest point
4. 4. 7. It is quadrupled when the object’s
mass and height are doubled.
5. 5.
8. A ball is thrown upward.
9. Maximum at the lowest point
10.m(v) 2/2
Kinetic energy is the (1) ___________________that moving objects have. Its magnitude is determined by the object’s
mass and (2)________ . On the other hand, Potential energy is possessed by bodies at (3) ___________ . Its
magnitude is determined by the mass, acceleration due to gravity, and (4) . These two are measured in a
unit (5) _____________.
Activity 2- Tuesday
Direction: The image below displays a roller coaster that is moving up and down from point A to E. After
studying the image, answer the questions by circling the letter of the correct answer.
D
B
A
E
Which letter shows the rollercoaster with the maximum potential energy?
A B C D E
Which letter shows the rollercoaster with the least potential energy?
A B C D E
Which letter shows the rollercoaster with the maximum kinetic energy?
A B C D E
Which letter shows the rollercoaster with the least kinetic energy?
A B C D E
Which letter shows the rollercoaster with more kinetic energy than coaster B?
A B C D E
Which letter shows the rollercoaster with more potential energy than coaster B?
A B C D E
As the cart moves from point A to point C, it continues to slow down because the kinetic energy is converted to potential
energy. The PE is highest as it reached the highest point .
A B C D E
At point , the rollercoaster has zero kinetic because it momentarily stops at this point.
A B C D E
As the cart moves from point D to point E, the potential energy is converted to Kinetic energy and the car speeds up. The
KE is highest at point making the car to have enough KE to continue to go up.
A B C D E
The KE is highest while the potential energy is lowest at point .
A B C D E
Activity 3- Wednesday
Directions: Fill in the blank with potential or kinetic to complete the paragraph explaining the energy
transformations that occurs on a roller coaster.
The potential energy of the coaster cars at the peak of the first hill determines the total amount of energy that is
available for the rest of the ride. At the top of the hill, the coaster cars have the most (1) _______________. When these
are released and begin coasting down the hill, potential energy transforms into (2)________________________
energy until they reached the bottom of the hill. As the car ascend to the next hill, (3) ______________________is
transformed back to (4) energy. Then when these cars descend the hill, the (5) ___________is again changed into (6)
_________. This transformation between potential and kinetic continues throughout the ride until it comes to a
stop. This works behind the principle of Law of conservation of energy.
Quiz- Thursday
Directions: Read each statement carefully then write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.
______1. The following statements about kinetic and potential energy is true EXCEPT
A. Kinetic energy can be transformed into potential energy.
B. Kinetic energy is stored energy while the potential is energy in motion.
C. The two types of mechanical energy are kinetic and potential energy.
D. Kinetic energy and the potential energy of a body are both affected by its mass.
______2. The rock rolls down a hill. The potential energy of the rock when it was on top of the hill compared to its kinetic
energy at the lowest point is .
A. equal B. lower C. higher D. not related
______3. Which of the following events does NOT describe potential energy being changed into kinetic energy?
A. B. C. D.
______4. The magnitude of the kinetic and potential energy of a free fall for the first 2 seconds of its fall was given. What
is the potential and kinetic energy of the apple before hitting the floor? PE= 8J; KE 0
A. PE= 8J; KE = 0
B. PE= 8J; KE = 8J PE= 6J; KE 2
C. PE= 0; KE = 8J
D. PE= 0; KE = 4J
PE= 4J; KE=4
PE= ; KE
______5. Which of the following statements can be best associated with the conversion of kinetic to potential energy?
A. I need to eat a lot so I can do more work.
B. Energy transfers when people pay attention.
C. Activate your inborn skill to reach your highest potential.
D. I have higher kinetic energy, so I do not need to sleep at night.
Directions: Below is the transformation of kinetic and potential energy in a pendulum. Fill in the blanks
with the correct magnitude of energy. Use the indicator value of the energies in each position of the bob
as a clue.
Direction: Read each of the following and identify whether the word INCREASES or DECREASES fits the
sentence. Use the figure on the right as a clue.
1. The distance the apple covers _____________________in every second of its fall.
2. From the magnitude of the distance it covers every second, it only shows that the velocity of the apple
_____as it falls.
3. As the apple gains velocity, its momentum ____________.
4. Moving your hand backward in catching the apple to extend the time of contact ___________the impact force.
5. On the second diagram, the girl throws the ball upward. The distance the ball covers __________on its way
up.
6. The magnitude of the distance it covers every second shows that the velocity of the ball __________as it goes
up and becomes zero at the highest point