Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the speed at which it is moving.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with the height of an object above the ground.

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for potential energy?

Back

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

Front

How do mass and speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy increases with both mass and the square of speed. Doubling the speed increases kinetic energy by four times.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, assuming no energy is lost to air resistance.

Front

What type of energy does a compressed spring have?

Back

A compressed spring has potential energy due to its position and the force applied to compress it.

Front

What type of energy does a moving car have?

Back

A moving car has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

Front

At what point in a swing is kinetic energy the highest?

Back

Kinetic energy is highest at the lowest point of the swing, where the speed is greatest.

Front

At what point in a swing is potential energy the highest?

Back

Potential energy is highest at the highest points of the swing, where the height is greatest.