AP Physics - Energy Conservation

Front

What is the unit for energy and work?

Back

J (Joules)

Front

What is the ability to do work called?

Back

Energy

Front

How are work and energy related?

Back

The work done by an external force acting on an object causes a change in the mechanical energy of the object.

Front

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

Back

PE = m * g * h

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

KE = 1/2 * m * v^2

Front

If a ball has 17 J of kinetic energy and its mechanical energy is 25 J, what is its potential energy?

Back

8 J (Mechanical Energy = Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy)

Front

If the mass of a car is 600 kg and the change in potential energy is 294,000 J, what is the height change?

Back

h = PE / (m * g) = 294,000 J / (600 kg * 9.81 m/s²) ≈ 49.8 m

Front

What is the principle of conservation of energy?

Back

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

What is mechanical energy?

Back

The sum of kinetic and potential energy in a system.

Front

What is the relationship between work and energy?

Back

Work done on an object results in a change in its energy.