Kinetic and Potential Energy

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 the speed at which it is moving.

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, a skater at the top of a ramp has potential energy.

Front

What happens to potential energy as a skater goes down a ramp?

Back

The skater loses potential energy as he travels down the ramp.

Front

Where is kinetic energy greatest for a skater on a ramp?

Back

At the bottom of the ramp.

Front

What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another.

Front

Can energy be created?

Back

No, energy cannot be created; it can only be transformed.

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy?

Back

A moving car, a running dog, or a thrown ball are all examples of kinetic energy.

Front

What is an example of potential energy?

Back

A book on a shelf or a drawn bow are examples of potential energy.

Front

How does mass affect kinetic energy?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its kinetic energy if moving at the same speed.

Front

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

The kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed; if speed doubles, kinetic energy increases by four times.