Energy Transformations

Front

What is energy?

Back

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion.

Front

What happens to an apple's energy when it falls from a tree?

Back

The potential energy of the apple changes to kinetic energy as it falls.

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 an example of energy transformation in a microwave oven?

Back

In a microwave oven, electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy (heat) and light energy.

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter.

Front

What is mechanical energy?

Back

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy in an object.

Front

What is an example of potential energy?

Back

A book on a shelf has potential energy because of its height above the ground.

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy?

Back

A rolling ball has kinetic energy because it is in motion.