KE and GPE Calculations

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

Front

What is Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the formula to calculate Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

GPE = mgh, where m is mass (in kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and h is height (in meters).

Front

What is the unit of energy?

Back

The unit of energy is Joules (J).

Front

If a skydiver is halfway through her descent, what types of energy does she have?

Back

She has both Kinetic Energy and Gravitational Potential Energy.

Front

How do you calculate the Potential Energy of an object at a height?

Back

Multiply the mass of the object (in kg) by the height (in meters) and the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

Front

What is the Potential Energy of a 100 kg bell at a height of 45 m?

Back

The Potential Energy is 44,100 J, calculated using GPE = mgh (100 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 45 m).

Front

What is the Kinetic Energy of a 2 kg apple falling at a speed of 10 m/s?

Back

The Kinetic Energy is 100 J, calculated using KE = 1/2 mv² (1/2 * 2 kg * (10 m/s)²).

Front

What happens to Gravitational Potential Energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Gravitational Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases.

Front

What is the Potential Energy of 1250 kg weights lifted 2 m?

Back

The Potential Energy is 24,500 J, calculated using GPE = mgh (1250 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 2 m).