The Study of Energy
Potential, Kinetic, and Conservation of Energy
Potential Energy
Potential energy is stored energy--energy ready to go. Any object with mass that has the potential, hence potential energy, to cause a force to occur is what potential energy is. Whether it be a bird resting on a tree branch, or a child sitting at the top of a hill, there are endless examples and forms of potential energy.
Kinetic Energy
Energy a body has because it is in motion, is what Kinetic energy is. Basically it is anything that is moving, causing a force on something. With countless examples some include a bird flying through the air, rain drops falling during a rain shower, or even the simplistic act of walking, all kinetic energy.
Conservation of Energy
The law of conservation of energy states that the total amount of energy in a system remains constant ("is conserved"), although energy within the system can be changed from one form to another or transferred from one object to another. So that means that energy cannot be created or destroyed.