Comparing Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy

• Kinetic energy is an active form of energy, which means it is directly usable.

• For example, movement, heat, light and sound are usable in the form they are in.

• Similarly, kinetic energy is directly measurable.

• For example, movement, heat, light and sound can all be directly quantified.

• Potential energy is an inactive form of energy, which means it is not directly usable.

• It only becomes useable when it is converted into a form of kinetic energy.

• For example, the stored chemical energy in petrol is not usable until it is converted into heat energy when it is burned.

• Similarly, potential energy is not directly measurable.

• It only becomes measurable when it is converted into a form of kinetic energy and the kinetic energy is measured.

• For example, the stored chemical energy in petrol cannot be directly measured, but the amount of heat it produces when it is burned can be measured.

Kinetic energy is directly usable and measurable.
Potential energy only becomes usable and measurable when it is converted into kinetic energy.

(Images: JCLobo, Adobe Stock; Tatiana, Adobe Stock)