kinetic energy vs. potential energy

kinetic energy vs. potential energy: What's the difference?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has as a result of its motion (such as that of a coiled spring that has been released). Potential energy is the energy an object has not due to motion but because of its position (or condition) in an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field (such as a coiled spring before being released). Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy when movement begins, such as in the example of the spring, or when an object is knocked off a shelf and falls.