Calculating Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How do you calculate gravitational potential energy?

Back

PE = mgh, where PE is potential energy, m is mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth), and h is height in meters.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

How do you calculate kinetic energy?

Back

KE = 1/2 mv², where KE is kinetic energy, m is mass in kilograms, and v is velocity in meters per second.

Front

What is the unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI)?

Back

The unit of energy is the Joule (J).

Front

If an object has a mass of 2 kg and is 3 m above the ground, what is its gravitational potential energy?

Back

PE = mgh = 2 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 3 m = 58.8 J.

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 other forces act on it.

Front

At which point is potential energy greatest in a vertical motion?

Back

Potential energy is greatest at the highest point of the object's path.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between velocity and kinetic energy?

Back

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