Kinetic and Potential 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 edge of a cliff has potential energy because of its height.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a moving car or a rolling ball has kinetic energy.

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 an example of potential energy?

Back

An example of potential energy is a pulled back string on an archer's bow.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Front

What type of energy does a moving bicycle have?

Back

A moving bicycle has kinetic energy.

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, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

Can an object have both kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Yes, an object can have both kinetic and potential energy at the same time, such as a roller coaster at the top of a hill just before it starts to descend.

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy in sports?

Back

An example of kinetic energy in sports is a soccer ball being kicked across the field.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic and potential energy are forms of mechanical energy; as one increases, the other typically decreases in a closed system.