Kinetic and Potential Energy Practice

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or state, commonly associated with gravitational potential energy, calculated as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

At which point in a pendulum's swing is the potential energy the highest?

Back

The potential energy is highest at the highest points of the swing, where the pendulum momentarily comes to rest before swinging back down.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy as a roller coaster descends a hill?

Back

As a roller coaster descends a hill, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, resulting in higher speeds at the bottom.

Front

What type of energy does a balloon filled with air possess?

Back

A balloon filled with air possesses potential energy due to the compressed air inside it.

Front

Where is potential energy greatest in a roller coaster?

Back

Potential energy is greatest at the highest point of the roller coaster, where the speed is momentarily zero.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

Potential energy increases with height; the higher an object is, the more gravitational potential energy it has.

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, demonstrating the principle of conservation of energy.

Front

What is the formula for calculating kinetic energy?

Back

The formula for calculating kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.