1st P - Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Front

What is Mechanical Energy?

Back

Mechanical Energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in an object. It is the energy associated with the motion and position of an object.

Front

Define Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE).

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, typically calculated as GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

Front

How does height affect Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

As the height of an object increases, its gravitational potential energy increases because GPE is directly proportional to height.

Front

What happens to Kinetic Energy as speed increases?

Back

Kinetic Energy increases with the square of the speed; if the speed doubles, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

Front

What is the principle of Conservation of Mechanical Energy?

Back

The principle states that in a closed system, the total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) remains constant if only conservative forces are acting.

Front

Calculate the GPE of a 10 kg object at a height of 5 m.

Back

GPE = mgh = 10 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 5 m = 490 Joules.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is directly proportional to mass; if mass increases while speed remains constant, kinetic energy increases.

Front

At what point does an object have maximum Kinetic Energy during free fall?

Back

An object has maximum kinetic energy just before it hits the ground, as all potential energy has been converted to kinetic energy.

Front

What is the formula for calculating Kinetic Energy?

Back

KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.