Here's why:

* Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Objects that are moving possess kinetic energy.

* Potential energy is stored energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. It's the energy an object has the *potential* to use.

Examples:

* A moving car has kinetic energy. A car parked on a hill has potential energy.

* A falling ball has kinetic energy. A ball held above the ground has potential energy.

So, while kinetic describes energy in motion, potential describes energy that is stored and waiting to be released.