Physics Flashcard

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, typically calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How does kinetic energy change as an object moves down a ramp?

Back

As an object moves down a ramp, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. The total mechanical energy remains constant if we ignore friction.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and gravitational force?

Back

The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers, as described by Newton's law of universal gravitation.

Front

What happens to the speed of a planet as it orbits the sun?

Back

A planet travels fastest at the perihelion (the closest point to the sun) and slowest at the aphelion (the farthest point from the sun) due to the conservation of angular momentum.

Front

What causes electric shocks?

Back

Electric shocks are caused by the movement of electrons to balance charges between objects, typically when there is a difference in electric potential.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

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

Front

How does doubling the mass and distance of a satellite affect gravitational force?

Back

Doubling the mass of a satellite and the distance from the planet results in the gravitational force being halved, according to the formula F = G(m1*m2)/r^2.

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 is the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy?

Back

Potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position, while kinetic energy is the energy of motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv^2.

Front

What is the significance of the perihelion in planetary motion?

Back

The perihelion is significant because it is the point in a planet's orbit where it is closest to the sun, resulting in the highest orbital speed due to stronger gravitational pull.