Potential Energy

Mr. Anderson explains potential energy, focusing on its dependence on position and conservative forces. He illustrates with examples like lifting a crate and using a bow and arrow. The video covers gravitational, spring, and electric potential energy, emphasizing the role of conservative forces. Calculations for potential energy in different systems are demonstrated, highlighting the conservation of energy.

What happens to the potential energy of a crate when it is lifted using a cable?

• It increases because work is done on the crate.

• It remains the same as before.

• It disappears once the crate is lifted.

• It decreases because the crate is moving.

Which of the following is NOT a conservative force?

• Gravitational force

• Frictional force

• Spring force

• Electric force

What is the key characteristic of a conservative force?

• It depends on the path taken.

• It is always stronger than non-conservative forces.

• It is independent of the path taken.

• It only acts on objects in motion.

How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

• By multiplying mass, gravitational field strength, and change in height.

• By dividing force by distance.

• By subtracting kinetic energy from total energy.

• By adding mass and velocity.

What is the equation for potential energy in a mass spring oscillator?

• 1/2 kx^2

• qV

• 1/2 mv^2

• mgΔh

In an electric circuit, what determines the potential energy of a charge?

• The speed of the charge

• The resistance of the circuit

• The distance between charges

• The charge and the change in voltage

What happens to the energy when a conservative force does work on an object?

• The energy is stored and can be fully recovered.

• The energy is lost as heat.

• The energy is converted to sound.

• The energy is dissipated into the environment.