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. It has the potential to do work when released.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass and velocity of the object.

Front

What is the formula for Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy (KE) = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the formula for Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy (PE) = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How does height affect Potential Energy?

Back

The higher an object is, the more Potential Energy it has, because it has the potential to fall.

Front

How does mass affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the more Kinetic Energy it has at a given velocity.

Front

What happens to Kinetic Energy when speed increases?

Back

Kinetic Energy increases with the square of the speed; if speed doubles, Kinetic Energy increases by four times.

Front

What is an example of Potential Energy?

Back

An example of Potential Energy is a rock at the top of a hill.

Front

What is an example of Kinetic Energy?

Back

An example of Kinetic Energy is a car driving down the road.

Front

At what point is Kinetic Energy greatest in a swinging pendulum?

Back

Kinetic Energy is greatest at the lowest point of the swing.