Kinetic and Potential Energy Flashcard

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, which depends on an object's height and mass.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is positioned, the greater its potential energy. This is because potential energy is calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object is lowered?

Back

When an object is lowered, its potential energy decreases because its height above the ground decreases.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic and potential energy are forms of mechanical energy. As potential energy decreases (e.g., when an object falls), kinetic energy increases (e.g., as the object speeds up).

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

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

Front

If a cheetah has a mass of 47.0 kg and runs at a speed of 31.0 m/s, what is its kinetic energy?

Back

The kinetic energy of the cheetah is 22,584 Joules.

Front

What is the gravitational potential energy of an 85 kg mountain climber at the summit of a 6267 m volcano?

Back

The gravitational potential energy is 5,220,411 Joules.

Front

What does it mean when energy is transferred from potential to kinetic?

Back

It means that stored energy (potential) is converted into energy of motion (kinetic) as the object begins to move.