Types of Energy in Physics to Know for AP Physics 1 (2025)

Kinetic Energy (KE)

Energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Formula for Kinetic Energy

KE = 1/2 mv^2, where m is mass and v is velocity.

Key Concept of Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy depends on the square of velocity.

Doubling velocity effect on Kinetic Energy

Increases kinetic energy by four times.

Gravitational Potential Energy (PE)

Energy stored in an object due to its height in a gravitational field.

Formula for Gravitational Potential Energy

PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height.

Key Concept of Gravitational Potential Energy

Directly proportional to mass and height.

Elastic Potential Energy (PE)

Energy stored in elastic materials when stretched or compressed.

Formula for Elastic Potential Energy

PE = 1/2 kx^2, where k is spring constant and x is displacement.

Key Concept of Elastic Potential Energy

Increases quadratically with displacement.

Thermal Energy

Total kinetic energy of particles in a substance, linked to its temperature.

Importance of Thermal Energy

Vital in understanding heat transfer methods and thermodynamics.

Mechanical Energy

Total energy in a system from both kinetic and potential energy.

Key Concept of Mechanical Energy

Remains constant in a closed system (ignoring friction or external forces).

Work-Energy Theorem

Work done on an object equals the change in its kinetic energy.

Key Concept of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed between forms.

Energy Transformations

Conversion of energy from one form to another.

Power (P)

The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.

Key Concept of Efficiency

Measure of useful energy or work output compared to energy input.

Formula for Efficiency

Efficiency = (Useful energy output / Total energy input) x 100%.