Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass of the object and its velocity.

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What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position or state. It can be due to height (gravitational potential energy) or other factors.

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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 formula for Potential Energy?

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

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What happens to Potential Energy when an object falls?

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As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, conserving the total mechanical energy.

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What is an example of Potential Energy?

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A rock held at the top of a hill has potential energy due to its height above the ground.

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What is an example of Kinetic Energy?

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A moving car has kinetic energy due to its motion.

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How are Kinetic and Potential Energy related?

Back

Kinetic and potential energy are forms of mechanical energy. They can transform into each other; for example, potential energy converts to kinetic energy when an object falls.

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What is the relationship between height and Potential Energy?

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The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has, because potential energy increases with height.

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What is the relationship between speed and Kinetic Energy?

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Kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed; if speed doubles, kinetic energy increases by four times.