Exploring Potential Energy

Dr. Forrester introduces potential energy, explaining it as stored energy that can do work. The video covers gravitational energy, using examples like rocks and waterfalls. It includes experiments to demonstrate energy conversion, such as a waterfall experiment and a spoon experiment. Various types of stored energy, including chemical, mechanical, and thermal, are discussed, with examples like batteries, digestion, and solar panels.

What happens to the potential energy of a rock when it is lifted higher from the ground?

• It disappears.

• It increases.

• It remains the same.

• It decreases.

In the waterfall experiment, what type of energy does the water gain as it falls?

• Thermal energy

• Chemical energy

• Gravitational energy

• Sound energy

Which type of energy is stored in a battery?

• Thermal energy

• Sound energy

• Chemical energy

• Mechanical energy

What initiates the release of energy in fireworks?

• A chemical reaction

• A mechanical force

• A sound wave

• A thermal match

How is sound energy stored in a CD?

• As chemical energy

• As potential sound energy

• As thermal energy

• As mechanical energy

What is the role of photovoltaic cells in solar panels?

• To absorb thermal energy

• To release sound energy

• To convert light into electricity

• To store mechanical energy

In the spoon experiment, what type of energy does the spoon have when it is held still?

• Kinetic energy

• Potential energy

• Sound energy

• Thermal energy