2-1 What is energy?
OBJECTIVE: Compare potential energy and kinetic energy.
Key Terms
energy: ability to make something happen
potential energy: stored energy
kinetic energy: energy of motion
velocity: speed and direction
Lesson Summary
• Energy is the ability to make something happen.
• Potential energy is stored energy.
• One type of potential energy is gravitational potential energy.
• The amount of gravitational potential energy stored in a sample of matter depends on its weight and height.
• Kinetic energy is energy of motion.
• Velocity tells you the speed and direction of a moving object.
Key Terms
energy: ability to make something happen
potential energy: stored energy
kinetic energy: energy of motion
velocity: speed and direction
Lesson Summary
• Energy is the ability to make something happen.
• Potential energy is stored energy.
• One type of potential energy is gravitational potential energy.
• The amount of gravitational potential energy stored in a sample of matter depends on its weight and height.
• Kinetic energy is energy of motion.
• Velocity tells you the speed and direction of a moving object.