Physics Energy Review

Front

What is gravitational potential energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How is kinetic energy (KE) defined?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the work-energy principle?

Back

The work-energy principle states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Front

How do you calculate work done?

Back

Work done (W) is calculated as W = Fd, where F is the force applied and d is the distance over which the force is applied.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when potential energy increases in a closed system?

Back

In a closed system with no friction, an increase in potential energy results in an equal decrease in kinetic energy, and vice versa.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

The formula for gravitational potential energy is GPE = mgh, where m is mass (kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²), and h is height (m).

Front

If a 7.14 kg object has 700 J of gravitational potential energy, how high is it above the ground?

Back

Using the formula GPE = mgh, rearranging gives h = GPE/(mg). For 700 J, h = 700/(7.14 * 9.81) = 10 m.

Front

What is the relationship between force, distance, and work?

Back

Work is the product of the force applied to an object and the distance over which that force is applied, expressed as W = Fd.

Front

How do you find the total mechanical energy of an object?

Back

Total mechanical energy is the sum of an object's kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy: Total Mechanical Energy = KE + GPE.

Front

What is the significance of the conservation of energy principle?

Back

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.