Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state, commonly associated with gravitational potential energy, calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

Increasing an object's mass will increase its kinetic energy, as kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass.

Front

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has, as kinetic energy is proportional to the square of its velocity.

Front

Where is kinetic energy least in a swinging pendulum?

Back

Kinetic energy is least at the highest points of the swing, where the speed is lowest.

Front

Where is potential energy highest in a swinging pendulum?

Back

Potential energy is highest at the highest points of the swing, where the object is at its maximum height.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant, demonstrating the principle of conservation of energy.

Front

What factors determine gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is determined by an object's mass, the height above a reference point, and the acceleration due to gravity.

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 mv².

Front

What is the formula for calculating potential energy?

Back

The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh.