Energy Basics

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What is Potential Energy?

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Potential Energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has potential energy because of its height.

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What is Kinetic Energy?

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Kinetic Energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a rolling ball or a moving car has kinetic energy.

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What is the relationship between Potential and Kinetic Energy?

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Potential Energy can be converted into Kinetic Energy. For example, when a roller coaster descends from a height, its potential energy converts to kinetic energy as it speeds up.

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What is an example of Potential Energy in everyday life?

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A stretched rubber band has potential energy because it is in a position to snap back to its original shape.

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What is an example of Kinetic Energy in everyday life?

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A running dog has kinetic energy because it is moving.

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How does height affect Potential Energy?

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The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has. This is because potential energy is directly related to height.

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How does mass affect Kinetic Energy?

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

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What happens to Potential Energy when an object falls?

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

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What is gravitational potential energy?

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Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh (mass x gravity x height).

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What is the law of conservation of energy?

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