Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has potential energy because of its height.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has. This is because potential energy is directly related to the height of the object.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when an object speeds up?

Back

When an object speeds up, its kinetic energy increases. This is because kinetic energy depends on the speed of the object.

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the formula for potential energy?

Back

The formula for gravitational potential energy (PE) is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What type of energy does a compressed spring have?

Back

A compressed spring has elastic potential energy because it is storing energy due to its position.

Front

What type of energy does a moving skateboard have?

Back

A moving skateboard has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

Front

What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy?

Back

Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. For example, when a roller coaster goes down a hill, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Front

What is an example of potential energy in everyday life?

Back

An example of potential energy is a book on a shelf. It has potential energy due to its height above the ground.