Question

kinetic and potential energy worksheet
initials:
potential energy
potential energy is energy of position. an object gets potential energy from height, mass and gravity. an object with potential energy has the potential to do work. this potential is only released when the object falls.
kinetic energy
kinetic energy is energy of motion. an object gets kinetic energy from its mass and velocity. an object with kinetic energy has energy stored in motion.
(1) an object that is not moving has __________ (potential or kinetic energy)?
(2) an object that is moving has __________ (potential or kinetic energy)?
(3) these graphs shows a ball rolling from a to g.
which letter shows the ball when it has the maximum kinetic energy? __________
(4) which letter shows the ball when it has the maximum potential energy? __________
(5) which letter shows the ball when it has the least potential energy? __________
(6) which letter shows the ball when it has the least kinetic energy? __________

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy definitions

Potential energy is energy of position (height, mass, gravity - related), kinetic energy is energy of motion (mass and velocity - related).

Step2: Answer question (1)

An object not moving has no motion - related energy, so it has potential energy.

Step3: Answer question (2)

An object moving has energy due to its motion, so it has kinetic energy.

Step4: Analyze the ball's motion for questions (3 - 6)

Kinetic energy is maximum when the ball is at the lowest point (greatest velocity), which is D. Potential energy is maximum when the ball is at the highest point (greatest height), which is A and G. Potential energy is least at the lowest point, which is D. Kinetic energy is least at the highest points (momentarily at rest), which is A and G.

Answer:

(1) potential
(2) kinetic
(3) D
(4) A, G
(5) D
(6) A, G