Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is Potential Energy (PE)?

Back

Potential Energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It has the potential to do work when released.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass and speed of the object.

Front

Give an example of Potential Energy.

Back

A book on a shelf has Potential Energy because it can fall due to gravity.

Front

Give an example of Kinetic Energy.

Back

A moving car has Kinetic Energy because it is in motion.

Front

What happens to Potential Energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases.

Front

Where is Potential Energy highest on a roller coaster?

Back

Potential Energy is highest at the top of a big hill on a roller coaster.

Front

Where is Kinetic Energy highest on a roller coaster?

Back

Kinetic Energy is highest at the bottom of a big hill on a roller coaster.

Front

How does mass affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy increases with mass; if two objects are moving at the same speed, the heavier object has more Kinetic Energy.

Front

How does speed affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for Kinetic Energy?

Back

The formula for Kinetic Energy is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.