PE/KE/total energy relationship

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or height. It is the energy an object has when it is at rest and has the potential to move.

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 speed at which it is moving.

Front

What is the total mechanical energy?

Back

Total mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system. It remains constant if no external forces act on the system.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

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

Front

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

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

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

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

Front

At what point does a pendulum have maximum potential energy?

Back

A pendulum has maximum potential energy at its highest point, where it momentarily stops before swinging back down.

Front

At what point does a pendulum have maximum kinetic energy?

Back

A pendulum has maximum kinetic energy at its lowest point, where it is moving the fastest.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, as potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases, and vice versa, keeping the total energy constant.

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.