Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated as 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, such as gravitational potential energy or elastic potential energy.

Front

How does elastic potential energy change when a spring is compressed or stretched?

Back

Elastic potential energy increases when a spring is either compressed or stretched from its equilibrium position.

Front

What factors affect the amount of kinetic energy an object has?

Back

The amount of kinetic energy an object has is affected by its mass and velocity.

Front

In a pendulum, where is the potential energy the greatest?

Back

The potential energy of a pendulum is greatest at its highest points (positions 1 and 5 in a typical diagram).

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and speed?

Back

Kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed; if speed doubles, kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

Front

What are examples of potential energy?

Back

Examples of potential energy include gravitational potential energy (an object at height) and elastic potential energy (compressed springs, stretched rubber bands).

Front

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

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.

Front

What is the difference between kinetic energy and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy based on position or state.

Front

What happens to the kinetic energy of an object if it comes to a stop?

Back

If an object comes to a stop, its kinetic energy becomes zero.