Gravitational Potential Energy Flashcard

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, typically calculated as the product of mass, gravitational acceleration, and height above a reference point.

Front

What two factors affect gravitational potential energy?

Back

Mass and height.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

Back

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Front

In the context of dropping a ball, what is the independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the height from which the ball is dropped.

Front

What is the net force acting on an object?

Back

The net force is the vector sum of all the forces acting on an object, determining its acceleration.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that attracts two bodies towards each other, commonly experienced as the force that pulls objects towards the Earth.

Front

How does height affect gravitational potential energy?

Back

As height increases, gravitational potential energy increases, assuming mass remains constant.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy increases with an increase in mass, assuming height remains constant.

Front

What happens to gravitational potential energy when an object is dropped?

Back

When an object is dropped, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it falls.