# Difference between kinetic and potential energy in physics

We already have learned the concepts of mechanical energy in another article. There are two types of mechanical energy – Kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy also has two types – translational kinetic energy and rotational kinetic energy. Read the article on rotational kinetic energy if you need. In this article, we are going to know the basic difference between kinetic and potential energy on an object. This explanation will be easy to understand even for a kid.

## Kinetic energy

The mechanical energy of an object due to its motion is the kinetic energy of the object. Kinetic energy of an object is defined as the ability to work gained by the object due to its motion. An object possesses kinetic energy due to its motion only. There is no other way to generate kinetic energy in a body. Suppose an object of mass m is moving with a velocity v, then the kinetic energy of the object will be $\small {\color{Blue} K.E. = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2}}$.

## Potential energy

The potential energy of an object is due to its position above the ground level. It is the ability to work of an object due to its position above the ground. Thus, a body will have potential energy in it only if the body is raised to some height above the ground. If an object of mass m has its position at a height h above the ground, then its potential energy will be P.E. = mgh.

## Similarities between kinetic energy and potential energy

The comparison between kinetic energy and potential energy includes both the similarities and differences between kinetic and potential energy. In this section, we are to discuss the similarities between these types of energies.

1. Both kinetic energy and potential energy have the same units and dimension as that of mechanical energy.
2. These two types of energies are directly proportional to the mass of the object. One can see this thing from their equations.
3. The Kinetic energy of an object can be converted into its potential energy and vice-versa.

## What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Now, what are the differences between the kinetic energy and potential energy of an object? See the differences in tabular form.

## Summary

1. The sum of Kinetic energy and Potential energy gives total energy.
2. Kinetic energy is the ability of work of an object due to its motion.
3. Potential energy is the ability of work of an object due to its position above the ground.
4. Kinetic and Potential energies are exchangeable.

This is all from this article on the difference between K.E. and P.E. If you have any doubt on this topic you can ask me in the comment section.

Thank you!

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