KInetic and Potential Energy

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 the stored energy of an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with gravitational potential energy, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

When does an object have no kinetic energy?

Back

An object has no kinetic energy when it is at rest.

Front

Which has more kinetic energy: a car or a tractor-trailer traveling at the same speed?

Back

A tractor-trailer traveling at the same speed has more kinetic energy due to its greater mass.

Front

What units are used to measure energy and work?

Back

Energy and work are measured in Joules.

Front

Where does a tossed baseball have the greatest kinetic energy?

Back

A tossed baseball has the greatest kinetic energy at the point of maximum speed, typically at the lowest point of its trajectory.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object; as mass increases, kinetic energy increases if velocity remains constant.

Front

What is the relationship between velocity and kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the velocity; if velocity doubles, kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, assuming no energy is lost to air resistance.