Calculating KE and GPE

Front

What is Kinetic Energy (KE)?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It is 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. It is calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is the relationship between KE and GPE during a skydiver's descent?

Back

As a skydiver descends, GPE decreases while KE increases. At halfway, the skydiver has both KE and GPE.

Front

How do you calculate the Kinetic Energy of an object?

Back

To calculate Kinetic Energy, use the formula KE = 1/2 mv². For example, a 2 kg volleyball moving at 30 m/s has KE = 1/2 * 2 * (30)² = 900 J.

Front

What is Elastic Potential Energy (EPE)?

Back

Elastic Potential Energy is the energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing. For example, a stretched rubber band has EPE.

Front

What factors affect Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy is affected by the object's mass, the height above the ground, and the acceleration due to gravity.

Front

If an object has a mass of 82 kg and a GPE of 1970 J, how high is it?

Back

Using the formula GPE = mgh, rearranging gives h = GPE/(mg). Thus, h = 1970 J / (82 kg * 9.8 m/s²) = 2.5 m.

Front

What happens to the energy of a ball when it is served?

Back

When a ball is served, chemical energy from the muscles is converted into kinetic energy as the ball moves.

Front

What is the unit of energy?

Back

The unit of energy is the Joule (J).

Front

What is the formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

The formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy is GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.