Calculating Energy

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the law of conservation of energy?

Back

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

Front

How do you calculate gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy (PE) can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass (kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), and h is height (m).

Front

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

Back

In a rollercoaster, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant if we ignore friction and air resistance. As the coaster ascends, kinetic energy converts to potential energy and vice versa.

Front

What is the unit of energy?

Back

The unit of energy is the Joule (J).

Front

If a rollercoaster has 2,000,000 Joules of kinetic energy at its fastest point, how much potential energy did it have at its highest point?

Back

2,000,000 J (assuming no energy loss).

Front

What is the formula for calculating the velocity of an object using potential energy?

Back

The velocity (v) can be calculated from potential energy (PE) using the formula v = sqrt(2 * PE / m), where PE is potential energy and m is mass.

Front

At which point does a thrown ball have the most gravitational potential energy?

Back

At the highest point of its trajectory.

Front

What factors affect gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is affected by the mass of the object, the height above the ground, and the acceleration due to gravity.