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.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy (PE)?

Back

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

Front

How is kinetic energy (KE) defined?

Back

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

Front

At what point on a roller coaster is gravitational potential energy at its maximum?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is at its maximum at the highest point of the roller coaster.

Front

If a ball is thrown upwards with a certain kinetic energy, what happens to that energy as it rises?

Back

As the ball rises, its kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy until it reaches its highest point, where its kinetic energy is zero.

Front

What happens to the total mechanical energy of a system if no external forces do work on it?

Back

The total mechanical energy of the system remains constant if no external forces do work on it.

Front

What is the relationship between velocity and kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity; if velocity triples, kinetic energy increases by a factor of nine.

Front

What is the gravitational potential energy of an object at ground level?

Back

The gravitational potential energy of an object at ground level is zero joules.

Front

How do you calculate the height an object will reach if given its initial kinetic energy?

Back

To calculate the height, use the formula PE = KE, where KE is the initial kinetic energy and PE = mgh, solving for h gives h = KE/(mg).

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

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