Kinetic and Potential Energy Flashcard

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a car driving down the highway has kinetic energy because it is moving.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

An apple hanging on a tree has potential energy because it is elevated above the ground.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

A soccer player kicking a soccer ball has kinetic energy because the ball is in motion.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object falls?

Back

When an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases as it gains speed.

Front

What is the relationship between potential and kinetic energy?

Back

Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. For example, when a stretched rubber band is released, its potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

Front

What is an example of increasing potential energy?

Back

Stretching a rubber band increases its potential energy because it is being stored in the stretched position.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground. The higher the object, the more gravitational potential energy it has.

Front

How can you increase the kinetic energy of an object?

Back

You can increase the kinetic energy of an object by increasing its speed or mass.

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.