Energy Transformations

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is stored energy that is held in an object due to its position or state. Examples include energy stored in food, fuel, and the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has. Examples include a moving car, running, and throwing a ball.

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. The total amount of energy remains constant.

Front

Give an example of chemical energy.

Back

Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. Examples include energy stored in batteries, during digestion, and in burning fuel.

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of particles in an object.

Front

What is mechanical energy?

Back

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in an object. It is the energy associated with the motion and position of an object.

Front

What are some examples of energy transformations?

Back

Examples include: 1) A battery transforming chemical energy into electrical energy. 2) A rollercoaster converting potential energy at the top of a hill into kinetic energy as it descends.

Front

What happens to energy during a chemical reaction?

Back

During a chemical reaction, energy is transformed from one form to another, but the total amount of energy remains the same according to the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Front

What is the difference between potential and kinetic energy?

Back

Potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position, while kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion.

Front

What is an example of an object with high potential energy?

Back

An object at the top of a hill or a stretched rubber band has high potential energy due to its position.