kinetic

Everyday

1. Kinetic means about movement or caused by movement. tree →
2. Kinetic energy is the energy an object has because it is moving; the faster or heavier it moves, the more kinetic energy it has. tree →
3. Kinetic art is art with parts that move. tree →

In the lessons

A key physics word: in science lessons on energy, kinetic energy is compared with potential (stored) energy — a ball held high has potential energy, which turns into kinetic energy as it falls. Wind turbines turn the kinetic energy of wind into electricity. Phrases: kinetic energy, kinetic sand, kinetic sculpture.

Examples

• A rolling ball has kinetic energy. tree →
• As the roller coaster goes down, its kinetic energy increases. tree →
• Wind turbines use the kinetic energy of moving air. tree →
• When the car stops, its kinetic energy turns into heat in the brakes. tree →
• We played with kinetic sand that flows like liquid. tree →
• The museum has a kinetic sculpture that moves in the wind. tree →
• A faster runner has more kinetic energy. tree →

Note

Say: ki-NET-ic. In science: a still object has zero kinetic energy. Kinetic energy = ½ × mass × speed × speed, so doubling the speed makes four times the kinetic energy. Opposite idea: potential energy (stored energy).