Kinetic and Potential Energy

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What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object has due to its motion. It depends on the mass of the object and its velocity.

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What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It can be gravitational, elastic, or chemical.

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What is Gravitational Potential Energy?

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Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy an object possesses because of its height above the ground. It is calculated as PE = mgh (mass x gravity x height).

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How does height affect Potential Energy?

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The higher an object is, the more Potential Energy it has because it has the potential to fall and do work.

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What happens to Potential Energy as an object falls?

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As an object falls, its Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases, conserving the total mechanical energy.

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What is the relationship between Kinetic and Potential Energy in a roller coaster?

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In a roller coaster, energy transforms between Potential and Kinetic Energy as the coaster moves up and down the track.

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What is an example of Kinetic Energy in everyday life?

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A moving car, a running dog, or a thrown ball are all examples of Kinetic Energy.

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What is an example of Potential Energy in everyday life?

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A book on a shelf, a drawn bow, or water stored in a dam are all examples of Potential Energy.

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How can you increase the Potential Energy of an object?

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You can increase the Potential Energy of an object by raising its height or changing its position in a way that increases its stored energy.

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What is Mechanical Energy?

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Mechanical Energy is the sum of Kinetic and Potential Energy in an object that is used to do work.