Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, a ball held at a height has potential energy.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

A moving car, a running dog, or a thrown ball are all examples of kinetic energy.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

A stretched rubber band, a book on a shelf, or water stored in a dam are examples of 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.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic and potential energy can transform into each other. For example, when a roller coaster goes down a hill, potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the formula for potential energy?

Back

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

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has because potential energy depends on height.

Front

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has, since kinetic energy is proportional to the square of its speed.