Explore Kinetic and Potential Energy Concepts

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 its velocity.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with gravitational energy when an object is elevated.

Front

How does potential energy change as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, assuming no energy is lost to friction.

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 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 mechanical energy?

Back

Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy in an object.

Front

At which point on a roller coaster is potential energy the highest?

Back

Potential energy is highest at the highest point of the roller coaster, typically at point W.

Front

At which point on a roller coaster is kinetic energy the highest?

Back

Kinetic energy is highest at the lowest point of the roller coaster, where the speed is greatest.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a roller coaster?

Back

As a roller coaster moves up, it gains potential energy and loses kinetic energy; as it moves down, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy.