Kinetic and Potential Energy

Front

What is energy?

Back

The ability to make something move or change.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

The energy an object has due to its position or condition.

Front

What happens to the potential energy of a rock as it falls off the side of a cliff?

Back

The potential energy decreases as the kinetic energy increases.

Front

When a pendulum swings, at which point is kinetic energy highest?

Back

At the lowest point of the swing.

Front

How is kinetic energy calculated?

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) = 1/2 * mass (m) * velocity (v)^2.

Front

What is the unit of energy?

Back

Joule (J).

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a closed system?

Back

The total mechanical energy remains constant; as one increases, the other decreases.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

A book on a shelf has potential energy due to its height.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

A moving car has kinetic energy due to its motion.

Front

What happens to the kinetic energy of an object if its speed doubles?

Back

The kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.