Kinetic Energy is the energy of motion. It takes three forms -
- Translational KE is the motion of an object from one place to another;
- Vibrational KE is the motion of a object backwards and forwards; and
- Rotational KE is the motion of an object as it spins.
Translational Kinetic Energy - bouncing a ball, running down the street, an apple falling from a tree;
Vibrational Kinetic Energy - the water molecules in food that is being microwaved;
Rotational Kinetic Energy - an ice skater as she spins, the electrons in atoms, a spinning top