Practice: Kinetic & Potential Energy

Kinetic Energy (KE) is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = ½ mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Potential Energy (PE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, commonly calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

KE = ½ mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

KE = ½ x 2 kg x (6 m/s)² = 36 J.

KE = ½ x 4 kg x (3 m/s)² = 18 J.

Rearrange the formula PE = mgh to find height: h = PE / (mg).

PE = 2 kg x 10 m/s² x 5 m = 100 J.

GPE = 5 kg x 10 m/s² x 10 m = 500 J.

As an object slows down, its Kinetic Energy decreases because KE is directly proportional to the square of its velocity.