Question

Which of the following statements most accurately differentiates potential and kinetic energy?

A. Any object that has motion has kinetic energy, while any object not in motion but with the potential to do work has potential energy.
B. Gravitational potential energy is a form of mechanical energy, while kinetic energy is not.
C. Any object that has motion has potential energy, while any object not in motion but with the potential to do work has kinetic energy.
D. Kinetic energy is a form of mechanical energy, while gravitational potential energy is not.

Answer 1

A. Definitely this, because when I read this I exactly knew what it was, which I already did but..

Answer 2

A. Any object that has motion has kinetic energy, while any object not in motion but with the potential to do work has potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kinetic energy is associated to the motion energy in which object moves with certain speed.

It is given by the formula

`E_k = (1)/(2)mv^2`

Now similarly we can define potential energy as the energy stored in an object which is due to its position and the object must be at rest.

It may be of gravitational potential energy or spring potential energy or any other type

Gravitational potential energy is given as

`E_p = mgh`

both kinetic energy and potential energy is part of mechanical energy

so correct answer would be

A. Any object that has motion has kinetic energy, while any object not in motion but with the potential to do work has potential energy.