Potential energy review

Front

What is potential energy (PE)?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or height relative to a reference point, often due to gravity.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has, as potential energy is directly proportional to height.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy (PEg)?

Back

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

Front

Why is the potential energy of an object at ground level considered zero?

Back

An object at ground level has zero potential energy because it has no height above the reference point.

Front

What happens to the potential energy of a book when it is moved to a lower shelf?

Back

The potential energy of the book decreases as it is moved to a lower shelf.

Front

If two objects have the same mass but different heights, which has more potential energy?

Back

The object at the greater height has more potential energy.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in a falling object?

Back

As potential energy decreases during a fall, kinetic energy increases, conserving the total mechanical energy.

Front

What is the effect of mass on potential energy?

Back

Potential energy increases with mass; a heavier object at the same height has more potential energy.