Potential & Kinetic Energy

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What is kinetic energy?

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Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, which depends on its mass and speed.

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What is potential energy?

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Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state, such as height above the ground.

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How does increasing speed affect kinetic energy?

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Increasing an object's speed will increase its kinetic energy.

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What two factors affect an object's kinetic energy?

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Mass and speed are the two factors that affect an object's kinetic energy.

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What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

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As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

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Where is kinetic energy greatest in a tossed baseball?

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The kinetic energy of a tossed baseball is greatest at the point of maximum speed, typically at point z when it is descending.

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What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

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The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

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What is the formula for calculating potential energy?

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The formula for potential energy (PE) is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

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How does height affect potential energy?

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

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

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