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. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has potential energy because of its height.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

An example of potential energy is the pulled back string on an archer's bow.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Front

What type of energy is present when a person is climbing a ladder?

Back

Both potential and kinetic energy are present when a person is climbing a ladder.

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.

Front

What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in a roller coaster?

Back

As the roller coaster climbs, potential energy increases; as it descends, kinetic energy increases.

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for kinetic energy 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 potential energy is 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 due to its position.