Energy Transformations Flashcard

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It has the potential to be converted into kinetic energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the square of its velocity.

Front

How is kinetic energy calculated?

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) is calculated using the formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is 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, demonstrating the conversion of energy.

Front

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Back

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What type of energy conversion occurs when a bow is drawn back?

Back

When a bow is drawn back, mechanical energy is converted into potential energy stored in the bent bow.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh (mass x gravity x height).

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy increases as the mass of an object increases, assuming the velocity remains constant.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is elastic potential energy?

Back

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing.