Potential & Kinetic Energy Flashcards II

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has potential energy because of its height.

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 is potential energy calculated?

Back

Potential energy (PE) can be calculated using the formula: PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How is kinetic energy calculated?

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) can be calculated using the formula: KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

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

Give an example of potential energy in everyday life.

Back

An example of potential energy is a stretched rubber band. It has stored energy that can be released when the band is let go.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy in everyday life.

Back

An example of kinetic energy is a moving car. The car has energy because it is in motion.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, demonstrating the conversion of energy.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, influenced by gravity.

Front

What factors affect kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is affected by the mass of the object and its velocity. Increasing either will increase the kinetic energy.