Kinetic and Gravitational Potential Energy

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What is the formula for kinetic energy?

The formula for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

How do you calculate gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height.

What are the units of kinetic energy?

The units of kinetic energy are Joules (J).

What factors affect kinetic energy?

Kinetic energy is affected by an object's mass and velocity.

What is gravitational acceleration on Earth?

Gravitational acceleration on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².

How are kinetic and potential energy related?

Kinetic and potential energy are interconnected through energy conservation; they can transform into each other.

What happens to kinetic energy when velocity doubles?

If velocity doubles, kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

How does height affect gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy increases with greater height.

What is the potential energy of an object at ground level?

At ground level, the potential energy is zero, assuming the reference point for height is the ground.

Why is the concept of reference point important in potential energy?

The reference point determines the baseline from which height and thus potential energy are measured.

What is the kinetic energy of a 2 kg object moving at 3 m/s?

The kinetic energy is 9 Joules.

If a 5 kg object is 2 meters above the ground, what is its gravitational potential energy?

The gravitational potential energy is 98 Joules.

What happens to potential energy as an object is dropped?

Potential energy converts to kinetic energy as the object falls.

Can kinetic energy ever be negative?

No, kinetic energy cannot be negative since it depends on the mass and the squared velocity.

What happens to the total energy in a system when potential energy is completely converted to kinetic energy?

The total energy remains constant; it's simply transformed.


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