Potential and Kinetic Energy Calculations

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

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

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state, commonly gravitational potential energy, calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is the formula for calculating Kinetic Energy?

Back

KE = 1/2 mv²

Front

What is the formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

GPE = mgh

Front

If two objects have the same mass but different velocities, which one has greater Kinetic Energy?

Back

The object with the higher velocity has greater Kinetic Energy.

Front

What unit is used to measure energy?

Back

Joules (J) is the unit used to measure energy.

Front

How does mass affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is directly proportional to mass; as mass increases, Kinetic Energy increases if velocity remains constant.

Front

How does velocity affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is proportional to the square of velocity; if velocity doubles, Kinetic Energy increases by a factor of four.

Front

Calculate the Kinetic Energy of a 1,000 kg car traveling at 20 m/s.

Back

KE = 1/2 mv² = 1/2 (1000 kg)(20 m/s)² = 200,000 J.

Front

Calculate the Potential Energy of a 2,500 kg car on a hill 100 meters high.

Back

GPE = mgh = (2500 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(100 m) = 2,450,000 J.