Potential & Kinetic Energy Refresher

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, often related to its height and mass.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion, which depends on its mass and velocity.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for calculating potential energy?

Back

Potential energy (PE) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g) × height (h).

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) = 0.5 × mass (m) × velocity (v)².

Front

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

Back

In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) remains constant, assuming no energy is lost to friction or air resistance.

Front

At what point is potential energy at its maximum in a pendulum?

Back

Potential energy is at its maximum at the highest points of the pendulum's swing.

Front

At what point is kinetic energy at its maximum in a pendulum?

Back

Kinetic energy is at its maximum at the lowest point of the pendulum's swing.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of potential energy?

Back

An example of potential energy is a rock held at the top of a hill.