a bicycle coasting on a level sidewalk kinetic or potential energy?
It has kinetic energy and the potential energy does not change.
To determine whether a bicycle coasting on a level sidewalk has kinetic or potential energy, we need to understand the definition of these two types of energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on the mass of the object and its velocity. The formula for kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2.
Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It can be gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, or other forms. In the case of a bicycle on a level sidewalk, we'll focus on gravitational potential energy. The formula for gravitational potential energy is PE = mass * gravitational acceleration * height.
In this scenario, since the bicycle is coasting on a level sidewalk, it is not changing its height. Therefore, there is no change in gravitational potential energy. Consequently, the bicycle would only have kinetic energy.
The energy of the bicycle is mainly in the form of kinetic energy, which is due to its motion. The faster the bicycle is moving, the higher its kinetic energy. However, it's important to note that even if the bicycle is not currently pedaling, it still possesses kinetic energy because it continues to move forward due to its previous momentum.