difference between potential energy and kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is defined as the energy an object displays or possesses because of some kind of motion or action. Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy an object possesses or displays by virtue of its state of rest.

While potential energy is non-related to the environment of the object, kinetic energy is completely relative to the other moving or stationary objects in the environment. If an object is moving in an environment where other objects are moving too, the acceleration of the object will not be evident at all.

The word ‘kinetic’ comes from the Greek word ‘kinesis’ meaning motion. The word ‘potential’ to define energy was coined by Scottish physicist William Rankine in the 19th century. Kinetic energy can also be passed from one moving object to another when a collision or contact takes place. This is not the case in potential energy

Potential energy is also known as ‘restoring energy’ as it tends to force an object to return to its original state of rest. Potential energy works against any displacement force so, for example, when an object is lifted, it tries to return to its original state of rest through the gravitational force. The energy that the object possessed while moving was kinetic energy and once the object returns to its state of rest, the energy is transformed into potential energy.

Comparison chart

Kinetic Energy versus Potential Energy comparison chart

	Kinetic Energy	Potential Energy
Definition	The energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles in the system.	Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object or system because of its position or configuration.
Relation to environment	Kinetic energy of an object is relative to other moving and stationary objects in its immediate environment.	Potential energy is not relative to the environment of an object.
Transferability	Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another, say, in collisions.	Potential energy cannot be transferred.
Examples	Flowing water, such as when falling from a waterfall.	Water at the top of a waterfall, before the precipice.
SI Unit	Joule (J)	Joule (J)
Determining factors	Speed/velocity and mass	Height or distance and mass