Segment E: Kinetic Energy and Gravitational Potential Energy
Segment E: Kinetic Energy and Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy are defined and explained mathematically through multiple example problems.
Science
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the importance of conservation laws for mechanical energy and linear momentum in predicting the behavior of physical systems.
Use mathematics and computational thinking to analyze, evaluate, and apply the principle of conservation of energy and the Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem.
- Calculate the kinetic energy of an object.
- Calculate the amount of work performed by a force on an object.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments that energy can transform from one form to another within a system.
Analyze and interpret data to create graphical displays that illustrate the relationships of kinetic energy to mass and speed, and potential energy to mass and height of an object.
Plan and carry out an investigation to explain the transformation between kinetic and potential energy within a system (e.g., roller coasters, pendulums, rubber bands, etc.).
-Quantitatively and qualitatively define kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy.
-Review the law of conservation of energy and relate it to changes in the types of energy an object possesses as it moves.
-Explain how conversions from one type of energy to another can be helpful in real-life situations.
energy - the ability to do work.
gravitational potential energy (PEG) - the stored energy of an object due to its position relative to a reference point on Earth; is equal to the mass of an object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity multiplied by the height of the object relative to the reference point.
kinetic energy (KE) - the energy of motion; equal to one half times mass times the square of the velocity of an object.
law of conservation of energy - energy is never created or destroyed, it is transferred or transformed from one form to another.
potential energy - stored energy that can come in a variety of forms such as spring, gravity, and chemical.
The Physics in Motion teacher toolkit provides instructions and answer keys for study questions, practice problems, labs for all seven units of study. GPB offers the teacher toolkit at no cost to Georgia educators.To order your teacher toolkit, complete and submit this form to request the teacher toolkit. You only need to submit this form one time to get materials for all seven units.
