Understanding Potential and Kinetic Energy Flashcard

Front

What is potential energy (PE)?

Back

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

Front

What is kinetic energy (KE)?

Back

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

Front

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Back

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy (PE) converts to kinetic energy (KE).

Front

What is energy transfer?

Back

Energy transfer refers to the movement or conversion of energy from one system or form to another.

Front

What is an example of energy transformation?

Back

An example of energy transformation is a roller coaster: as it climbs, kinetic energy is converted to potential energy, and as it descends, potential energy is converted back to kinetic energy.

Front

What happens to energy when a bowling ball hits a pin?

Back

When a bowling ball hits a pin, kinetic energy (KE) transfers from the ball to the pin, causing the pin to move.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and height?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy in everyday life?

Back

An example of kinetic energy is a moving car; the faster it goes, the more kinetic energy it has.

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.