Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, an acorn hanging from a tree has potential energy because of its height.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

A rock at the edge of a cliff has potential energy due to its height above the ground.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

A car driving down the road has kinetic energy because it is moving.

Front

What type of energy is present at the top of a roller coaster?

Back

At the top of a roller coaster, there is more potential energy due to the height.

Front

What type of energy is present at the bottom of a roller coaster?

Back

At the bottom of a roller coaster, there is more kinetic energy due to the speed of the car.

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy increases with mass; a heavier object moving at the same speed has more kinetic energy than a lighter object.

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.

Front

What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy and vice versa, but the total energy remains constant.