Two common forms of energy that cannot be negative are

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kinetic energy, defined as $ \frac{1}{2}mv^2 $ (where $ m $ is mass and $ v $ is velocity), cannot be negative because mass and the square of velocity are always positive or zero. Spring potential energy, given by $ \frac{1}{2}kx^2 $ (where $ k $ is the spring constant and $ x $ is the displacement from equilibrium), also cannot be negative for similar reasons: the spring constant and the square of displacement are always positive or zero.

Two Common Forms of Energy That Cannot Be Negative Are