Kinetic and Potential Energies

These flashcards cover key concepts related to kinetic and potential energies, their calculations, and related principles of mechanics.

Gravitational Potential Energy (Ep)

The energy held by an object because of its height above the ground, calculated as Ep = mgh.

Kinetic Energy

The energy possessed by an object due to its motion.

Potential Energy

Energy possessed by an object due to its position or configuration.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of kinetic and potential energies in a system.

Power

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

Work

The product of a force applied to an object and the distance over which that force is applied.

Efficiency (η)

The ratio of useful work output to the total work input, often expressed as a percentage.

Velocity Ratio (V.R.)

The ratio of the distance moved by the effort to the distance moved by the load.

Mechanical Advantage (M.A.)

The ratio of the load force to the effort force tested within a simple machine.

Class of Levers

Levers are classified into three types based on the relative positions of the effort, load, and fulcrum.

Inclined Plane

A flat surface tilted at an angle to help lift objects more easily.

Wedge

A double inclined plane that moves through an object to separate it, often used for cutting.

Screw

An inclined plane wrapped around a shaft or cylinder, used to secure objects or lift them.

First-Class Lever

A lever where the fulcrum is between the load and the effort.

Second-Class Lever

A lever where the load is between the fulcrum and the effort.

Third-Class Lever

A lever where the effort is applied between the load and the fulcrum.