Phet Energy Skatepark

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or height. For example, a skater at the top of a ramp has potential energy that can be converted to kinetic energy as they descend.

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

What role does friction play in energy transfer?

Back

Friction converts mechanical kinetic energy into thermal energy, causing objects to slow down.

Front

What is the relationship between height and potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is positioned, the greater its potential energy. This is why a skater at a higher starting point has more potential energy.

Front

What happens to energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, energy is conserved; it can change forms (e.g., from potential to kinetic) but the total energy remains constant.

Front

What is the effect of increasing friction on a skater's motion?

Back

Increasing friction slows down the skater by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, making it harder to maintain speed.

Front

What is a loop-di-loop in the context of energy?

Back

A loop-di-loop is a circular track that requires a skater to have enough potential energy at the start to complete the loop without falling.

Front

What is the significance of the starting height in a loop-di-loop?

Back

The starting height must be sufficient to provide enough potential energy for the skater to complete the loop without losing momentum.

Front

What is thermal energy?

Back

Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter. It is the energy that is generated and measured by heat.

Front

What does it mean to say energy is 'lost' in a system?

Back

When energy is 'lost', it typically means that energy has been transformed into a non-recoverable form, such as thermal energy due to friction.