Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Front

What is the principle of conservation of mechanical energy?

Back

The principle states that in a closed system, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant if only conservative forces are acting.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, commonly gravitational potential energy, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

At which point on a roller coaster is the potential energy at its maximum?

Back

At the highest point of the roller coaster.

Front

How does energy transform in a pendulum?

Back

In a pendulum, energy transforms between kinetic energy (at the lowest point) and potential energy (at the highest points) while the total mechanical energy remains constant.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, keeping the total mechanical energy constant.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

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

Front

How do you calculate the gravitational potential energy of a 5 kg ball lifted 12 m?

Back

PE = mgh = 5 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 12 m = 588 J.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and speed?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.