Solving for K

TEKS 6.8A

Kinetic Energy and Gravitational
Potential Energy

KEY IDEAS

• What are the two main types of energy?

• What factors determine the amount of kinetic energy an object

• What factors determine the amount of gravitational potential energy an object has?

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Copyright © Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. Savvas is not responsible for any modifications made by end users to the content posted in its original format.

What are the two main types of energy?

Energy is the ability to cause change.

Kinetic energy is energy of motion.
Examples of kinetic energy include
electricity, heat, and the motion of
everyday objects.

Potential energy is stored energy
based on an object’s position, such as how high an object is above the
ground.

Roberto Peri/Image Source/Getty Images; Patrick Rutherford/Shutterstock

Open Ended

What is the difference between Potential and Kinetic Energy?

The difference between potential and kinetic energy is...

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What factors determine the amount of kinetic energy an object has?

Kinetic energy can be calculated by using an object’s mass and its
velocity.

Increasing the mass of the object or its velocity increases its kinetic energy.

Decreasing the mass of the object or its velocity decreases its kinetic energy.

AndreyZH/Shutterstock

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Comparing Kinetic Energy

Reorder

Click on the vehicles in order from the least kinetic energy to the greatest

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3

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What factors determine the amount of gravitational potential energy an object has?

The gravitational potential energy of an object is determined by its mass and its height above Earth’s surface. Increasing mass or height increases gravitational potential energy. Decreasing mass or height decreases this energy.

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Comparing Gravitational Potential Energy

Kali9/E+/Getty Images

Reorder

Place the climbers from LEAST gravitational potential to MOST gravitational Potential.

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