Kinetic and Potential Energy Flashcard

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a drawn bow has potential energy because it can release that energy to shoot an arrow.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a rolling bowling ball has kinetic energy because it is moving.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

An example of potential energy is gasoline in a gas tank, which has stored energy that can be used to power a vehicle.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

An example of kinetic energy is water flowing down from a waterfall, as it is in motion.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object is lifted higher?

Back

When an object is lifted higher, its potential energy increases because it has more stored energy due to its elevated position.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when an object slows down?

Back

When an object slows down, its kinetic energy decreases because it is losing energy due to the reduction in speed.

Front

How can you increase the potential energy of a rubber band?

Back

You can increase the potential energy of a rubber band by stretching it, which stores more energy in the band.

Front

What type of energy does a moving car have?

Back

A moving car has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

Front

What type of energy does a book on a shelf have?

Back

A book on a shelf has potential energy because it is elevated and has the potential to fall.

Front

What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy?

Back

Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy when an object is set in motion, and vice versa.