AP Physics 1: Power and Conservation of Energy

Front

What is the principle of conservation of energy?

Back

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, assuming no energy is lost to friction.

Front

Define kinetic energy.

Back

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

Front

Define potential energy.

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or configuration, commonly gravitational potential energy given by PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is a conservative force?

Back

A conservative force is a force that does work on an object in such a way that the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant.

Front

What is the work-energy theorem?

Back

The work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Front

How does air resistance affect energy conservation?

Back

Air resistance converts some mechanical energy into thermal energy, causing the total mechanical energy to decrease in a non-isolated system.

Front

What is the relationship between work done and energy transfer?

Back

Work done on an object results in a transfer of energy, changing the object's kinetic or potential energy.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

Back

The formula for gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height above a reference point.

Front

What does it mean for work to be path independent?

Back

Path independence means that the work done by a conservative force depends only on the initial and final positions, not on the path taken.