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 factors affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is affected by the mass of the object and its speed; increasing either will increase the kinetic energy.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state, often associated with gravitational potential energy.

Front

How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height above a reference point.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a roller coaster?

Back

In a roller coaster, potential energy is highest at the highest points, while kinetic energy is highest at the lowest points due to the conversion of energy.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, conserving the total mechanical 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.

Front

At what point in a roller coaster is kinetic energy the greatest?

Back

Kinetic energy is greatest at the lowest point of the roller coaster, where the speed of the coaster is highest.

Front

What type of energy is associated with a compressed spring?

Back

A compressed spring possesses elastic potential energy, which is stored energy due to its deformation.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

Potential energy increases with height; the higher an object is, the more gravitational potential energy it has.