Lesson 34: Energy Flashcard

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. It is often associated with the height of an object in a gravitational field.

Front

At which point is potential energy closest to zero when moving downhill?

Back

Potential energy is closest to zero at the lowest point of the descent.

Front

How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

Back

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

How do you calculate the work done in lifting an object?

Back

Work done (W) in lifting an object is calculated using the formula W = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height lifted.

Front

What is the unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI)?

Back

The unit of energy in the SI system is the Joule (J).

Front

If a 50 kg roller coaster car is at a height of 5 meters, what is its potential energy?

Back

The potential energy is 2450 J (calculated using 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 friction.

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between height and potential energy?

Back

Potential energy increases with height; the higher an object is, the more potential energy it has.