Collisions & Energy Flashcard

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

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

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

What is momentum?

Back

Momentum is the quantity of motion an object has, which depends on its mass and velocity. It is calculated as momentum = mass x velocity.

Front

What happens to momentum in a collision?

Back

In a collision, momentum is conserved, meaning the total momentum before the collision equals the total momentum after the collision.

Front

What is a collision?

Back

A collision is an event where two or more objects come into contact with each other, resulting in a transfer of energy and change in motion.

Front

What is energy transfer?

Back

Energy transfer occurs when energy moves from one object to another, often seen in collisions where kinetic energy is transferred.

Front

What is an example of potential energy?

Back

An example of potential energy is a stretched rubber band, which has stored energy that can be released.

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy?

Back

An example of kinetic energy is a moving car, which has energy due to its motion.

Front

What happens when a smaller object collides with a larger object?

Back

The smaller object will typically bounce back further than the larger object due to differences in mass and momentum.

Front

What is an example of a collision that does NOT cause energy transfer?

Back

A basketball flying through the air is an example of an object in motion that is not colliding with another object.