Why Does a Diver on a High Board Hold Potential Energy?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does a diver on a high board hold potential energy?

The Big Idea

A diver on a high board is standing still. But she is holding a lot of energy! It is called potential energy.

High Above

Step one: high above. Potential energy is energy stored because of an object's position or shape. A diver on a high board has it because she is high above the water.

Springs and Bows

Step two: springs and bows. A compressed spring and a drawn bow have potential energy too. The energy is waiting to be released.

Release It

Step three: release it. When the diver jumps or the spring is let go, the stored energy changes into motion. The word potential means possible.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The diver is high above the water. The spring is squeezed tight. The bow is pulled back. Let go, and the energy turns into motion.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Potential energy can be stored for years and released in a second. Springs, bows, and high places all store it. Remember, the energy is waiting to be released. Here is a fact to keep: The word potential means possible.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Stretch a Slinky or a spring from a pen, with a grown-up nearby. Hold one end and let go of the other. Watch what happens. Describe what happens to the stored energy. Share your results with someone you love.

Outro

Potential energy is stored by position or shape, and it turns into motion when released. Science is amazing! Stay curious! Next time you see this in real life, remember what you learned today and smile! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!