What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

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

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its speed. This means that if an object's speed doubles, its kinetic energy quadruples. For example, a moving car has kinetic energy because it is in motion. The faster the car moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

On the other hand, potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It is the energy that has the potential to be converted into kinetic energy. For instance, a book on a high shelf has gravitational potential energy because of its position. If the book falls, the gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Similarly, a stretched spring has elastic potential energy because of its state. When the spring is released, the elastic potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

In summary, kinetic and potential energy are two forms of mechanical energy. They are interconvertible, meaning that potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. This is the principle behind many natural phenomena and man-made devices. For example, in a pendulum, the potential energy at the highest point is gradually converted into kinetic energy as it swings down and then back into potential energy as it rises again. This continuous conversion between kinetic and potential energy is what keeps the pendulum swinging.