Kinetic and Potential Energy Review

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 stored energy based on an object's position or state. The most common type is gravitational potential energy, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How do you calculate Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy (PE) is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass (in kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is height (in meters).

Front

What happens to Potential Energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its height decreases, which reduces its gravitational potential energy. This energy is converted into kinetic energy as the object accelerates downward.

Front

What is the relationship between Kinetic and Potential Energy?

Back

Kinetic and Potential Energy are forms of mechanical energy. In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (KE + PE) remains constant, demonstrating the principle of conservation of energy.

Front

What is the formula for Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

Front

If a 100 kg skydiver jumps from 4000 meters, how much gravitational potential energy do they have?

Back

The gravitational potential energy is 3920000 J.

Front

How much gravitational potential energy does a 60.0 kg person have at the top of a 74.8 m tall building?

Back

The gravitational potential energy is 43982.4 J.

Front

Where is gravitational potential energy minimum?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is minimum when an object is at the lowest point, such as down in the basement.

Front

What is the mass of an object with 100 Joules of kinetic energy moving at 2 m/s?

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The mass of the object is 50 kg.