Potential and Kinetic Energy Review

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. 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 velocity.

Front

At which point does a roller coaster have the greatest potential energy?

Back

At the highest point of the track.

Front

In which position does a ball have its minimum gravitational potential energy and maximum kinetic energy?

Back

At the lowest point of its path.

Front

How does potential energy change as an object falls?

Back

Potential energy decreases as the object falls, while kinetic energy increases.

Front

What happens to the kinetic energy of a pendulum as it swings from its highest point to its lowest point?

Back

The kinetic energy increases as it swings down.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and height?

Back

Gravitational potential energy increases as height increases.

Front

What happens to the total mechanical energy of a system if there are no external forces acting on it?

Back

The total mechanical energy remains constant.

Front

How do potential and kinetic energy transform in a roller coaster?

Back

As the roller coaster ascends, potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases; as it descends, potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy (PE) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g) × height (h).