Energy Transformations

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What is Energy Transformation?

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Energy Transformation is the process of changing energy from one form to another, such as from potential energy to kinetic energy.

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What is Gravitational Potential Energy?

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Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, often highest at the top of a hill or roller coaster.

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What is Thermal Energy?

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Thermal Energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the total kinetic energy of particles in an object.

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What is Mechanical Energy?

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Mechanical Energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in an object that is used to do work.

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What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

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The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

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What is Kinetic Energy?

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Kinetic Energy is the energy of an object in motion, depending on its mass and speed.

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What is an example of energy transformation in a roller coaster?

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As a roller coaster climbs to the top of a hill, kinetic energy is transformed into gravitational potential energy. When it descends, potential energy is transformed back into kinetic energy.

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What happens to energy when a light bulb is turned on?

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When a light bulb is turned on, electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy (heat) and light energy.

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What is an example of potential energy?

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A book on a shelf has gravitational potential energy because of its height above the ground.

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What is the relationship between potential energy and height?

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The higher an object is positioned, the greater its gravitational potential energy.