Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It is the energy that has the potential to be converted into kinetic energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the speed at which it is moving.

Front

At which point is potential energy greatest in a roller coaster?

Back

Potential energy is greatest at the highest point of the roller coaster.

Front

At which point is kinetic energy greatest in a roller coaster?

Back

Kinetic energy is greatest at the lowest point of the roller coaster.

Front

What is the formula for calculating 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 calculating potential energy?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of an object with potential energy.

Back

A basketball held in the hands of a player has potential energy due to its position above the ground.

Front

Give an example of an object with kinetic energy.

Back

A tennis ball rolling across the court has kinetic energy due to its motion.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

The higher an object is positioned, the greater its potential energy, as potential energy is directly proportional to height.

Front

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

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