Kinetic and Potential Energy

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What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

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What is Potential Energy?

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Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, a ball at the top of a hill has potential energy.

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Give an example of Kinetic Energy.

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A boy running around a track is an example of kinetic energy because he is in motion.

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Give an example of Potential Energy.

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A car that is stopped at a traffic light has potential energy because it has the potential to move.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

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What happens to Potential Energy when an object falls?

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

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What is the relationship between Kinetic and Potential Energy?

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Kinetic and potential energy can transform into each other. For example, when a roller coaster goes down a hill, potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5

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What is the formula for Kinetic Energy?

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The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

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What is the formula for Potential Energy?

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

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How does height affect Potential Energy?

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The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has because potential energy is directly proportional to height.

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What type of energy does a ball rolling down a hill have?

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A ball rolling down a hill has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

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