Energy Forms
What is the definition of kinetic energy?
The energy of an object due to its motion
What happens to kinetic energy when an object comes to a stop?
The kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy due to friction.
What is a model in science?
A simplified representation of a system or phenomenon used to help understand and predict its behavior.
What factors determine gravitational potential energy?
Mass, height above the ground, and the acceleration due to gravity.
What formula is used to calculate kinetic energy?
KE=21mv2
Name two forms of potential energy.
Gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.
Describe an example of energy transformation in a roller coaster.
As a roller coaster climbs a hill, kinetic energy is converted to potential energy; as it descends, potential energy is converted back to kinetic energy.
How can diagrams help illustrate energy concepts?
Diagrams can visually represent energy forms and transformations, making it easier to understand the relationships between different types of energy.
How does height affect potential energy?
As height increases, gravitational potential energy increases.
How does speed affect kinetic energy?
Kinetic energy increases with the square of the speed; doubling the speed quadruples the kinetic energy.
What is thermal energy?
The energy that comes from the temperature of a substance; it is the total kinetic energy of the particles in an object
How can electrical energy be transformed?
Name at least 3 ways to earn the full 300 points
Electrical energy can be transformed into any of the following:
- Light Energy (like in a light bulb)
- Thermal Energy ( like in a toaster)
- Kinetic Energy
- Spring Potential Energy
- Gravitational Potential Energy
What is a computer simulation in the context of energy models?
A computer simulation is a digital representation that allows users to manipulate variables and observe how energy changes within a system.
Give an example of an object with high gravitational potential energy.
A book on a high shelf has high gravitational potential energy due to its height.
*students can use any example that makes sense*
Provide an example of an object with kinetic energy.
A moving car possesses kinetic energy based on its mass and speed.
*Students can use any example that makes sense*
How is gravitational potential energy calculated?
Include what each variable means as well.
Example: v= velocity
Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula PE=mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above the reference point.
What is the law of conservation of energy?
The law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another.
How can you use a model to show the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?
You can create a physical model of a pendulum showing how potential energy at the highest point is converted to kinetic energy at the lowest point.
You can also use:
Diagrams
Bar Graphs
Stacked Bar Graphs
How is potential energy related to the stability of an object?
Hint: Think about where an object has the most potential energy. Why might this make an object stable or unstable?
Objects with higher potential energy are less stable and have a greater tendency to fall or move downward.
Can kinetic energy be negative? Why or why not?
Hint: Is kinetic energy a vector or scalar quality? How might that affect the positive and/or negative value of something?
No, kinetic energy cannot be negative because it is a scalar quantity and is always calculated as a positive value.
Explain the relationship between kinetic energy and mass.
Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of an object; as mass increases, kinetic energy increases, calculated by the formula KE=21mv2.
Provide an example of energy transformation involving Kinetic energy to potential energy in a roller coaster.
The rollercoaster starts off with very little potential energy and 0 kinetic energy because it is not moving
the roller coaster has kinetic energy as it is climbing to the top
at the very top of the rollercoaster, the potential energy is the highest
halfway down the roller coaster ride, the roller coaster will have equal parts kinetic and potential energy.
Explain the importance of using models to understand energy changes in systems.
Models help visualize and predict energy changes, allowing for a better understanding of complex systems and interactions.
Describe how energy is stored in a compressed spring.
A compressed spring stores elastic potential energy (EPE), which can be released when the spring is allowed to return to its original shape.
Explain how the concept of kinetic energy is important in sports.
Understanding kinetic energy helps athletes optimize their performance by analyzing motion, speed, and mass to improve techniques and outcomes.
* any answer that contained the key words will be accepted*