Define kinetic energy and potential energy.

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion, while potential energy is stored energy due to its position or state.

Kinetic energy, often denoted by the symbol 'K', is a form of energy associated with the motion of an object. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its speed. The formula for kinetic energy is K = 1/2 mv^2, where 'm' is the mass of the object and 'v' is its velocity. This means that an object's kinetic energy increases with its speed and mass. For instance, a lorry moving at a high speed has more kinetic energy than a bicycle moving at the same speed.

Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy that an object possesses due to its position relative to other objects or its state. It is energy that has the potential to be converted into kinetic energy. There are several types of potential energy, including gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, and chemical potential energy.

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its height above the ground. The formula for gravitational potential energy is U = mgh, where 'm' is the mass of the object, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is the height of the object above the ground. This means that an object's gravitational potential energy increases with its height and mass.

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. For example, a stretched spring or a drawn bow has elastic potential energy. This energy is released when the object returns to its original shape.

Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. It is released during a chemical reaction, often in the form of heat or light. For example, the energy stored in the bonds of gasoline molecules is released when the gasoline is burned in a car engine.

In conclusion, kinetic and potential energy are two fundamental forms of energy in physics. They are interconnected, as potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa, a concept known as the conservation of energy.