10 Questions
What is the mathematical expression that represents the conservation of mechanical energy at two different locations?
K1 + U1 = K2 + U2
Which type of energy is stored in a stretched or compressed elastic material like a spring?
Elastic Potential Energy
Which factor primarily determines the amount of kinetic energy an object possesses?
Speed or Velocity
In terms of potential energy, what happens to an object when it falls and is set into motion?
It loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy.
What is the principle that governs all natural phenomena, stating that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed?
The law of conservation of energy
What is the formula used to calculate Gravitational Potential Energy?
GPE = mgh
What type of energy is directly associated with the motion of an object?
Kinetic energy
Which of the following forces is an example of a conservative force?
Gravitational force
What type of energy is associated with the position or configuration of an object?
Potential energy
What principle states that the total mechanical energy of an object remains constant, assuming no energy is lost due to friction or other non-conservative forces?
The principle of conservation of mechanical energy
Study Notes
Conservation of Energy
- Total energy remains constant during motion and is conserved.
- Total mechanical energy (E) is the sum of kinetic energy (K) and potential energy (U): E = K + U.
- In the absence of non-conservative forces, mechanical energy is conserved.
Potential Energy
- Potential energy is stored energy, waiting to be released later, at rest.
- It is dependent on an object's position or height relative to a reference point.
- There are two types of potential energy: Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) and Elastic Potential Energy (EPE).
- Gravitational Potential Energy: GPE = mgh, where m = mass, g = 9.8 m/s², and h = height.
- GPE is measured in Joules (J).
- Weight is measured in Newtons (N), and height is measured in Metres (M).
- The higher the altitude, the greater the potential energy.
Elastic Potential Energy
- Elastic Potential Energy is the energy stored in a stretched or compressed elastic material.
- Energy is stored until the force is removed and the object returns to its original shape, doing work in the process.
- EPE = ½ke², where k = spring constant (N/m), and e = extension (m).
Kinetic Energy
- Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion.
- Kinetic energy is dependent on an object's speed, or velocity, and mass.
- The faster an object is, the more kinetic energy it has.
- The more mass an object has, the more kinetic energy it has (if speed is constant).
- KE = 1/2mv², where m = mass and v = velocity.
Law of Conservation of Energy
- The law states that the total energy of something is neither increased nor decreased in any process.
- Energy can be transformed from one form to another and transferred from one object to another, but the total amount remains constant.
- Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only transformed, without changing its amount.
Conservative Force
- A force is conservative if the work done by the force on an object moving from one point to another depends only on the initial and final positions of the object.
- Example: Gravitational Energy.
Mechanical Energy
- Mechanical energy is any form of energy directly associated with motion or with a force.
- It has two forms: Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy.
Learn about the fundamental principle that states the total energy within a system remains constant over time. Explore how energy can be transformed between different forms and transferred between objects.
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