What type of energy conversion occurs when work is done?

When work is done, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. This occurs in various scenarios, such as when an object is lifted to a certain height (increasing its potential energy) and then allowed to fall, which converts that stored potential energy into kinetic energy as it accelerates downward due to gravity.

For instance, when a rock is held at a height and then released, the potential energy that was stored while it was held is transformed into kinetic energy as the rock gains speed while falling. This principle is grounded in the laws of physics, particularly in the context of energy conservation, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only change from one form to another.

In this case, the conversion from potential to kinetic energy aligns with fundamental concepts in physics, illustrating how energy transfers and transformations play a vital role in various physical phenomena.