Potential vs. Kinetic Energy

Front

What is the definition of kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the definition of potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, commonly associated with gravitational potential energy, calculated as 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

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass; as mass increases, kinetic energy increases if velocity remains constant.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is directly proportional to height; as height increases, potential energy increases if mass remains constant.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and velocity?

Back

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

Front

What are some indicators that an object has energy?

Back

Indicators include light, sound, heat, and motion.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and potential energy?

Back

Mass is directly proportional to potential energy; as mass increases, potential energy increases if height remains constant.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What type of energy does a ball held at a height possess?

Back

A ball held at a height possesses gravitational potential energy.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object falls?

Back

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