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 square of its velocity.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. For example, an object at a height has gravitational potential energy.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Front

Where is maximum kinetic energy on a roller coaster?

Back

Maximum kinetic energy is at the bottom of a big hill.

Front

What is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth?

Back

The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is 9.8 m/s².

Front

What is velocity?

Back

Velocity describes the speed and direction of an object.

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 acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What happens to potential energy as an object falls?

Back

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system, the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant, assuming no energy is lost to friction.