Physics Fast Facts: Work and Energy

Front

What is the energy possessed by any moving object?

Back

Kinetic energy

Front

What type of force converts potential energy to other forms of mechanical energy when it does work?

Back

Conservative force

Front

True or False: A conservative force does not change the mechanical energy of a system.

Back

True

Front

What is done when a force acts on something that moves a distance parallel to that force?

Back

Work

Front

What type of kinetic energy exists when an object's center of mass is moving?

Back

Translational kinetic energy

Front

What is the formula for calculating work done?

Back

Work = Force × Distance × cos(θ) where θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.

Front

What is the unit of work in the International System of Units (SI)?

Back

Joule (J)

Front

What is the relationship between work and energy?

Back

Work done on an object results in a change in its energy.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

The energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as PE = mgh (mass × gravity × height).

Front

What is the difference between kinetic energy and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, while potential energy is stored energy based on position.