Mastery Check #2 - Potential Energy
What is potential energy?
Potential Energy is energy that is stored within a device (like a spring) or energy that could be potentially released because of the vertical position of an object. As you can see from the picture to the right, energy can be stored in springs or other things like a bow. When that energy is released, work can be done. The cranes wrecking ball has the potential to fall because it is raised up and swung back so it also contains potential energy. |
How is potential energy created?
As you can see in the picture to the right, potential energy increases as you move an object higher. That potential energy can be released if you let the object fall or roll down the hill. The same principle works for springs. If you compress a spring, you are storing potential energy into that spring. If you let go of the spring, the potential energy can be converted into kinetic (moving) energy. Use what you know to evaluate the situations below.
Does the rock have any energy right now? Why? If so, what kind of energy does it have and how did it get it? Why does the spring below have potential energy? Where did it get that energy?
|
Why does the inflated balloon below have potential energy?
Food also has potential energy. Why? Use the internet to research why food has potential energy if you need help.
|