Conservation of Energy

Front

What is the principle of conservation of energy?

Back

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. The total energy in a closed system remains constant.

Front

What is kinetic energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How do you calculate total mechanical energy?

Back

Total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (GPE) in a system: Total Energy = KE + GPE.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its gravitational potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, assuming no energy is lost to air resistance or other forces.

Front

What is the relationship between GPE and height?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to height; as height increases, GPE increases, assuming mass and gravity remain constant.

Front

What is the significance of the total energy at the bottom of a fall?

Back

The total energy at the bottom of a fall should equal the total energy at the top, demonstrating the conservation of energy principle.

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass; if the mass of an object increases, its kinetic energy increases if its velocity remains constant.

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.