Conservation of Energy

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How does energy transform from GPE to KE?

Back

As an object falls, its GPE decreases while its KE increases, demonstrating the transformation of energy from potential to kinetic.

Front

What happens to the total mechanical energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (sum of KE and GPE) remains constant, assuming no energy is lost to friction or air resistance.

Front

What is the formula to calculate the change in GPE?

Back

The change in Gravitational Potential Energy can be calculated using the formula ΔGPE = mgΔh, where Δh is the change in height.

Front

What is the relationship between height and GPE?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy increases with height; the higher an object is, the more GPE it has.

Front

What is the significance of point A in energy problems?

Back

Point A often represents the highest point in a problem, where GPE is at its maximum and KE is at its minimum.

Front

What is the significance of point C in energy problems?

Back

Point C often represents a point where KE is at its maximum, and GPE is at its minimum, typically at the lowest point of a trajectory.

Front

How do you calculate KE at a specific point?

Back

To calculate KE at a specific point, use the formula KE = 1/2 mv², substituting the mass and velocity at that point.