Potential vs. Kinetic Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a ball held at a height has potential energy because of its position above the ground.

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

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

The relationship between kinetic energy and speed is graphed as a parabola, meaning that as speed increases, kinetic energy increases exponentially.

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 mass and kinetic energy?

Back

The relationship between kinetic energy and mass is linear, meaning that if mass increases, kinetic energy increases proportionally.

Front

Which object has the most potential energy: a ball at 3 meters, 2 meters, 1 meter, or resting on the ground?

Back

A ball held at 3 meters has the most potential energy because it is at the highest position.

Front

Where does a roller coaster cart have the greatest kinetic energy?

Back

A roller coaster cart has the greatest kinetic energy at the bottom of the highest hill, where it is moving the fastest.

Front

What are indicators that an object has energy?

Back

Light, sound, heat, and motion are indicators that an object has energy.

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

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.