Kinetic and Potential energy - Flashcard

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.

Potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position or state. It is often associated with gravitational potential energy, which is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, assuming no other forces (like air resistance) are acting on it.

At the highest point of a pendulum swing, the kinetic energy is at its minimum (zero) because the pendulum is momentarily at rest.

At the lowest point of a pendulum swing, the potential energy is at its minimum (zero) because the height is at its lowest.

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

A roller coaster has the most gravitational potential energy at the highest point of the track.

A roller coaster has the most kinetic energy at the lowest point of the track, where it is moving the fastest.

An example of energy transformation is when a roller coaster descends from a height, converting potential energy into kinetic energy.

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, calculated as PE = mgh.