Which is an example of kinetic energy?

Which is an example of kinetic energy?

• A. Water stored behind a dam.
• B. A parked car.
• C. A light bulb lit.
• D. A swinging swing.

Answer: (D)

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. A swinging swing is currently moving through the air, so it has kinetic energy. Water stored behind a dam isn’t moving, so its energy is gravitational potential energy stored due to height (it would gain kinetic energy if it starts to flow and accelerate). A parked car isn’t moving, so it doesn’t have kinetic energy at that moment. A light bulb that’s lit uses electrical energy and emits light and heat, which isn’t kinetic energy of moving matter. The swinging swing, by being in motion, best exemplifies kinetic energy.

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. A swinging swing is currently moving through the air, so it has kinetic energy. Water stored behind a dam isn’t moving, so its energy is gravitational potential energy stored due to height (it would gain kinetic energy if it starts to flow and accelerate). A parked car isn’t moving, so it doesn’t have kinetic energy at that moment. A light bulb that’s lit uses electrical energy and emits light and heat, which isn’t kinetic energy of moving matter. The swinging swing, by being in motion, best exemplifies kinetic energy.