Potential and Kinetic Energy Study Guide

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or height. For example, a rock at the edge of a cliff has potential energy because of its height.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

Objects that are higher up have more potential energy than objects that are lower or closer to the ground.

Front

What tool do you use to measure force?

Back

A spring scale is used to measure the amount of force it takes to move an object.

Front

At what point is potential energy equal to kinetic energy for a skier?

Back

Potential energy is about equal to kinetic energy at point B on a ski slope.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when speed increases?

Back

Kinetic energy increases when an object travels faster.

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for calculating potential energy?

Back

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

Front

Can an object have both potential and kinetic energy?

Back

Yes, an object can have both potential and kinetic energy at the same time, such as a ball thrown into the air.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground.