Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with gravitational potential energy, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

At which point is potential energy greatest in a roller coaster?

Back

Potential energy is greatest at the highest point of the roller coaster.

Front

What unit is used to measure energy?

Back

Energy is measured in Joules (J).

Front

How do you calculate Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy (KE) is calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

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 energy is lost to air resistance.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant, demonstrating the principle of conservation of energy.

Front

If a car has a mass of 2600 kg and is moving at 25 m/s, what is its kinetic energy?

Back

The kinetic energy of the car is 437,500 J.

Front

If a baseball has a mass of 0.145 kg and is thrown at 30.0 m/s, what is its kinetic energy?

Back

The kinetic energy of the baseball is 65.25 J.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy held by an object because of its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh.