Which of the following descriptions would be an example of potential energy?
A)the movement of a bicycle coasting down a hill
B)flood water rushing through a breach in a dam
C)a spark emitted by explosion of a firework
D)the chemical bonds in a molecule of sucrose

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Potential energy refers to stored energy that has the potential to do work. The chemical bonds in a molecule of sucrose represent potential energy that can be released through a chemical reaction to do work. The movement of a bicycle down a hill, flood water rushing through a breach in a dam, and a spark emitted by explosion of a firework all represent kinetic energy, which is energy in motion.

Which of the Following Descriptions Would Be an Example of Potential