Kinetic and Potential Energies

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the speed at which it is moving.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It can be gravitational, elastic, or chemical energy.

Front

What happens to the total amount of energy in a closed system?

Back

The total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant, according to the law of conservation of energy.

Front

How does potential energy change when an object is lifted?

Back

When an object is lifted, its potential energy increases because it is moving against the force of gravity.

Front

How does kinetic energy change when an object speeds up?

Back

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

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground. It is calculated as weight times height.

Front

What is elastic potential energy?

Back

Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing.

Front

What is an example of kinetic energy in everyday life?

Back

A moving car, a running dog, or a thrown ball are all examples of kinetic energy in action.

Front

What is an example of potential energy in everyday life?

Back

A book on a shelf, a drawn bow, or a compressed spring are all examples of potential energy.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in a swinging pendulum?

Back

In a swinging pendulum, potential energy is highest at the highest points of the swing, while kinetic energy is highest at the lowest point.