Potential vs. Kinetic Energy

Front

What is energy?

Back

Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It exists in various forms, such as light, sound, heat, and motion.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, a drawn bow has potential energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of an object. More mass means more kinetic energy when moving at the same speed.

Front

Can kinetic energy be converted to potential energy?

Back

Yes, kinetic energy can be converted to potential energy, such as when a roller coaster climbs to the top of a hill.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and speed?

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 (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the formula for potential energy?

Back

The formula for potential energy (PE) is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

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

What is an example of potential energy?

Back

A rock held at the top of a hill has potential energy due to its height.