Which of the following best represents potential energy being converted to kinetic energy? A man jogs and stops to drink an energy drink. A drawn bow is released, causing an arrow to fly across a field. A roller coaster rounds a curve and climbs the next hill. A tree is struck by lightning, and then it is set on fire.

Question

Which of the following best represents potential energy being converted to kinetic energy?  A man jogs and stops to drink an energy drink. A drawn bow is released, causing an arrow to fly across a field. A roller coaster rounds a curve and climbs the next hill. A tree is struck by lightning, and then it is set on fire.

anonymous · Answer

Bow released = best representation
Potential energy = stored energy (bow is drawn, tension in the string)
Kinetic energy = energy in motion (string released, energy stored now in arrow flying out of the bow)

anonymous · Answer

A tree is struck by lightning, and then it is set on fire is the second best. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITpDrdtGAmo explains the kinetic energy bit, and there was chemical kinetic energy stored in the carbon dioxide.

fellowroot · Answer

And don't forget that total energy E=KE+PE there is also something called the Lagrangian which is L=KE-PE you will see that a lot later.