Potential vs. Kinetic Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with the height of an object above the ground.

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 the square of its speed.

Front

How are mass and height related to potential energy?

Back

Mass and height are directly proportional to potential energy. This means that as mass or height increases, potential energy increases.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when speed doubles?

Back

When the speed of an object doubles, its kinetic energy quadruples.

Front

What shape describes the relationship between kinetic energy and speed?

Back

The relationship between kinetic energy and speed is described by a parabolic shape.

Front

Where does a roller coaster cart have the greatest kinetic energy?

Back

A roller coaster cart has the greatest kinetic energy at the bottom of the highest hill.

Front

What are indicators that an object has energy?

Back

Light, sound, heat, and motion are indicators that an object has energy.

Front

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 gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and height?

Back

Potential energy increases as height increases, assuming mass remains constant.