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 its velocity.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It can be gravitational, elastic, or chemical.

Front

How is kinetic energy calculated?

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) is calculated using the formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

How is potential energy calculated?

Back

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula: PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy as an object slows down?

Back

As an object slows down, its kinetic energy decreases because kinetic energy is directly related to the speed of the object.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object is lifted higher?

Back

As an object is lifted higher, its potential energy increases because it has more stored energy due to its elevated position.

Front

At which point in a pendulum's swing is kinetic energy the greatest?

Back

Kinetic energy is greatest at the lowest point of the swing, where the pendulum is moving fastest.

Front

At which point in a pendulum's swing is potential energy the greatest?

Back

Potential energy is greatest at the highest points of the swing, where the pendulum is momentarily at rest.

Front

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

Back

In a rollercoaster, as the car goes up, potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases. As it goes down, kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases.

Front

What is an example of an object with high potential energy?

Back

A book on a high shelf has high potential energy due to its elevated position.