Conservation of energy: How do I know?

[sushiserv]

This is not so much a homework problem as it is a question:

How do I know whether an object has kinetic energy or potential energy?

I know for potential energy you make a point that is PE(grav) = 0, and then if the object reaches a height you make the other PE = mgh.

So in (KE_2 - KE_1) - (PE_2 - PE_1) - (S_2 - S_1) = W_other where
KE = kinetic en.
PE = potential en
S = spring en
W = other forces acting...

If no other forces are acting on the object W_other = 0; and there is no spring = 0 - 0

Then you get (KE_2 - KE_1) = - PE_2 + PE_1

And then if you make a point that is PE_1 = 0

KE_2 - KE_1 = -PE_2

Then what about KE ? Does that make KE_2 = 0?

I have no idea, please help me! I need an answer in 9 hours!

 

[hepcatdsm]

KE_1 = 0

At your intial state, no kinetic energy is present, the object only has potential because it is at rest at a certain height(h not 0) from your reference ground which has h=0

initial: potential = all energy, kinetic = no energy (assumed at rest at point1)
final: potential = 0, kinetic = all energy