Potential and Kinetic Energy Study Guide

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

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.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between force and work?

Back

Work is done when a force is applied to an object and the object moves in the direction of the force. More force means more work.

Front

What is a spring scale used for?

Back

A spring scale is a tool used to measure the amount of force applied to an object, typically in units of newtons.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when an object speeds up?

Back

When an object speeds up, its kinetic energy increases. Kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the speed.

Front

What is an example of an object with potential energy?

Back

A book on a shelf has potential energy because it can fall due to gravity.

Front

What is an example of an object with kinetic energy?

Back

A bicycle moving down the street has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

Front

How can you reduce the amount of force needed to lift an object?

Back

Using a ramp or inclined plane reduces the amount of force needed to lift an object compared to lifting it straight up.

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

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