Chapter 4- Energy (KE & GPE)

Front

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

Can energy be created or destroyed?

Back

No, according to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

How do you calculate the Kinetic Energy of an object?

Back

To calculate the Kinetic Energy, use the formula KE = 1/2 mv². For example, a 2.1 kg volleyball moving at 30 m/s has KE = 1/2 * 2.1 * (30)² = 945 J.

Front

What type of energy does an acorn hanging from a tree have?

Back

An acorn hanging from a tree has Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) due to its height above the ground.

Front

If two objects have the same mass, how does speed affect their Kinetic Energy?

Back

If one object is moving faster than the other, it will have greater Kinetic Energy. Kinetic Energy increases with the square of the speed.

Front

What happens to the Gravitational Potential Energy of an object as it falls?

Back

As an object falls, its Gravitational Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases, conserving total mechanical energy.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is directly proportional to mass; if the mass increases while speed remains constant, Kinetic Energy increases.

Front

What is the formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

The formula for Gravitational Potential Energy is GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is height.

Front

How does the speed of an object affect its Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy increases with the square of the speed; doubling the speed results in four times the Kinetic Energy.