Work And Potential Energy Flashcards
What is gravitational potential energy?
The energy an object has by virtue of its vertical position in a gravitational field.
What happens when you raise an object vertically?
> work is done against forces of gravity
> so object gains gravitational potential energy
What does ‘work done’ mean?
Energy is transferred
What is kinetic energy?
Energy of movement
What does kinetic energy depend on?
> mass
> speed
How do you stop a moving car( via transfer of energy) ?
The kinetic energy needs to be converted to heat energy as friction between the wheels and the break pads
To cause a moving car to stop, what is the work done by the breaks equal to?
The kinetic energy of the car
Why do most meteors never reach earth?
> when they enter the atmosphere they have very high kinetic energy
> due to friction because of collisions some of this kinetic energy is converted into heat energy
> heat energy is so high that causes most meteors to burn completely
