A bird sitting high in a tree is an example of an object with what type of energy?

Question

anonymous · Answer

potential energy? i think idk

snowsurf · Answer

Potential energy because of the bird position. The bird is in the tree with some height above ground. If you know the height and bird mass you can calculate the bird potential energy.

anonymous · Answer

Potential energy until he begins to fly in which case it becomes kinetic energy

compphysgeek · Answer

daina, only if the bird drops its potential energy turns into kinetic energy. if the bird flies at the same height, it keeps its potential energy and adds kinetic energy, that it gets from chemical energy using its muscles.

anonymous · Answer

compphysgeek, you're absolutely right. Thank you for pointing that out.

anonymous · Answer

There is more than one type of potential energy. In this case, specifically, the bird contains gravitational potential energy relative to objects on the ground.