Potential and Kinetic Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is stored energy that has the potential to do work. It is energy based on an object's position or state.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

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

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

What happens to kinetic energy as a roller coaster goes up a hill?

Back

As a roller coaster goes up a hill, kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.

Front

What happens to potential energy as a roller coaster goes down a hill?

Back

As a roller coaster goes down a hill, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Front

What is an example of chemical potential energy?

Back

Examples of chemical potential energy include wood, batteries, gasoline, and food.

Front

At which point does an object have the greatest potential energy?

Back

An object has the greatest potential energy at the highest point in its path.

Front

At which point does an object have the greatest kinetic energy?

Back

An object has the greatest kinetic energy at the lowest point in its path.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, typically related to its 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.