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 kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the speed at which it is moving.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between speed and kinetic energy?

Back

The relationship is quadratic; as speed increases, kinetic energy increases exponentially.

Front

If an object's speed doubles, how does its kinetic energy change?

Back

If the speed of an object doubles, its kinetic energy quadruples.

Front

What factors affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is affected by the mass of the object and the square of its speed.

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

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 an example of potential energy?

Back

An example of potential energy is a rock at the top of a hill; it has the potential to fall and convert to kinetic energy.