Gravitational Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing concepts, formulas, and relationships of Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) and Kinetic Energy (KE).

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)

The energy an object gains as its height or mass increases.

GPE Formula Components

In the formula $GPE = mgh$, $m$ represents mass, $g$ represents gravity, and $h$ represents height.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy an object gains as its speed or mass increases.

KE Formula Components

In the formula $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$, $m$ represents mass and $v$ represents velocity.

Factors Affecting GPE

Mass ($m$) and height ($h$), where an increase in mass or height directly causes an increase in potential energy.

Factors Affecting KE

Mass ($m$) and velocity ($v$), where having more mass or more velocity yields more kinetic energy.

Similarity of GPE and KE

Both forms of energy exhibit a direct relationship with their variables and both are affected by mass.

Difference Between GPE and KE

GPE is measured using height and gravity, whereas KE is measured using velocity.

Velocity's Impact on Kinetic Energy

The factor that has a larger effect on KE than mass because velocity is squared in the formula.