Conservation of Energy

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What is Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Back

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

Front

How does energy transform in a falling object?

Back

As an object falls, its GPE decreases while its KE increases, keeping the total mechanical energy constant (ignoring air resistance).

Front

What is the Total Mechanical Energy of a system?

Back

Total Mechanical Energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system, expressed as E_total = GPE + KE.

Front

What happens to GPE as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Gravitational Potential Energy decreases.

Front

What happens to KE as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Kinetic Energy increases.

Front

If an object has a GPE of 14 J at a height of 2 m, what is its mass?

Back

Using GPE = mgh, rearranging gives m = GPE/(gh). If g = 9.8 m/s², m = 14 J / (9.8 m/s² * 2 m) = 0.714 kg.

Front

What is the relationship between GPE and height?

Back

GPE is directly proportional to height; as height increases, GPE increases.

Front

What is the relationship between KE and velocity?

Back

KE is proportional to the square of velocity; as velocity increases, KE increases exponentially.