Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

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

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) is calculated using the formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy?

Back

Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. For example, when a roller coaster descends, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy in everyday life.

Back

A moving car, a flowing river, or a person running are all examples of kinetic energy.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What type of energy does a compressed spring have?

Back

A compressed spring has elastic potential energy, which is stored energy due to its deformation.

Front

What is the unit of energy?

Back

The unit of energy is the Joule (J).

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to mass; if the mass of an object increases, its kinetic energy increases if the velocity remains constant.