Kinetic and Potential energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, a stretched rubber band or a rock at the edge of a cliff has potential energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a moving skateboard or a car driving down the road has kinetic energy.

Front

When is potential energy at its maximum?

Back

Potential energy is at its maximum when an object is at rest in a position where it has the potential to move, such as at the top of a hill.

Front

When is kinetic energy at its maximum?

Back

Kinetic energy is at its maximum when an object is moving at its highest speed, such as at the bottom of a hill on a roller coaster.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic and potential energy are forms of mechanical energy. They can convert into each other; for example, potential energy converts to kinetic energy when an object falls.

Front

Can an object have both kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Yes, an object can have both kinetic and potential energy at the same time, such as a roller coaster car that is moving down a hill.

Front

What is an example of potential energy in everyday life?

Back

An example of potential energy is a stretched rubber band or a book placed on a shelf.

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy in everyday life?

Back

An example of kinetic energy is a running dog or a flowing river.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is positioned, the more potential energy it has due to the gravitational force acting on it.