Mechanical Energy

Front

What is Mechanical Energy?

Back

Mechanical Energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in a system. It is the energy associated with the motion and position of an object.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy that 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 height above the ground, calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How do you calculate Mechanical Energy (ME)?

Back

Mechanical Energy is calculated by adding Kinetic Energy and Gravitational Potential Energy: ME = KE + GPE.

Front

What happens to Kinetic Energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Kinetic Energy increases while its Gravitational Potential Energy decreases, keeping the total Mechanical Energy constant (in the absence of air resistance).

Front

What is the relationship between height and Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for calculating Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

The formula for Gravitational Potential Energy is GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is height.

Front

At what point is Kinetic Energy highest in a falling object?

Back

Kinetic Energy is highest just before the object hits the ground, as it has converted most of its Gravitational Potential Energy into Kinetic Energy.

Front

At what point is Gravitational Potential Energy highest in a falling object?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy is highest at the starting height before the object begins to fall.