Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

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 gravitational potential energy.

Front

What is the formula for calculating Kinetic Energy?

Back

KE = 1/2 mv², where KE is kinetic energy, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Front

What is the formula for calculating Potential Energy?

Back

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

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.

Front

How does velocity affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is proportional to the square of the velocity. If the velocity doubles, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

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

At which point in a pendulum's swing is Kinetic Energy highest?

Back

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

Front

At which point in a pendulum's swing is Potential Energy highest?

Back

Potential Energy is highest at the highest points of the swing, where the speed is lowest.

Front

What is the relationship between Kinetic and Potential Energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (Kinetic + Potential) remains constant, assuming no external forces do work.