Two Categories of Energy

All energy falls into two categories:

  • Potential energy energy at rest
    • Potential energy is stored energy.
      • Example:  a roller coaster at the top of a steep slope.
        • The higher the slope, the more potential energy is stored.
  • Kinetic energyenergy in motion
    • Kinetic energy is the motion of waves, atoms, matter, and objects.
      • Example:  the roller coaster moving downward.
        • The faster the car moves, the more kinetic energy is produced.