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 and speed of the object.

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It can be gravitational, elastic, or chemical.

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 velocity.

Front

What is the formula for Potential Energy?

Back

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

Front

How does mass affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy increases with an increase in mass. If the mass of an object doubles, its Kinetic Energy also doubles if speed remains constant.

Front

How does speed affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy increases with the square of the speed. If the speed of an object doubles, its Kinetic Energy increases 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, conserving the total mechanical energy.

Front

Where is Potential Energy highest on a roller coaster?

Back

Potential Energy is highest at the top of a hill on a roller coaster.

Front

Where is Kinetic Energy highest on a roller coaster?

Back

Kinetic Energy is highest at the bottom of a hill on a roller coaster.

Front

What is the relationship between Potential and Kinetic Energy?

Back

Potential and Kinetic Energy are forms of mechanical energy. They can convert into each other; as one increases, the other decreases.