Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the square of its velocity.

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with gravitational energy when an object is at a height.

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 formula for Potential Energy?

Back

The formula for Potential Energy (PE) is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What happens to Potential Energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases, conserving the total mechanical energy.

Front

What is an example of Kinetic Energy?

Back

A moving car, a flowing river, or a thrown ball are all examples of Kinetic Energy.

Front

What is an example of Potential Energy?

Back

A book on a shelf, a stretched rubber band, or water stored in a dam are examples of Potential Energy.

Front

At what point is Potential Energy greatest in a pole vault?

Back

Potential Energy is greatest just before the pole vaulter starts to fall to the ground.

Front

How does height affect Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy increases with height; the higher an object is, the more Potential Energy it has.

Front

What type of energy does a rock at the edge of a cliff have?

Back

A rock at the edge of a cliff has Potential Energy.