Potential and Kinetic Energy Review

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy 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 motion. Any object that is moving has kinetic energy, such as a rolling ball or a running person.

Front

What does it mean that energy cannot be created or destroyed?

Back

This principle, known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy can only be transformed from one form to another, but the total amount of energy remains constant.

Front

When does an object have the most Potential Energy?

Back

An object has the most potential energy when it is at its highest point, such as a skateboarder at the top of a ramp.

Front

What type of energy does a baseball have when held by a pitcher?

Back

A baseball held by a pitcher has Potential Energy because it is not moving and is held at a certain height.

Front

What happens to Potential Energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, as it converts stored energy into energy of motion.

Front

Can you give an example of Kinetic Energy in everyday life?

Back

An example of kinetic energy is a car driving down the street. The car is in motion, which means it has kinetic energy.

Front

What is the relationship between Potential and Kinetic Energy?

Back

Potential and kinetic energy are two forms of mechanical energy. They can convert into each other; for example, when a roller coaster goes down a hill, potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

Front

What is an example of energy conversion?

Back

An example of energy conversion is a pendulum. At the highest point, it has maximum potential energy, and as it swings down, that energy converts to kinetic energy.

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.