KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY WORKSHEET
Potential energy (PE) = mgh
Kinetic energy (KE) = 1/2 m v2
Total mechanical energy = PE + KE
Name:________________________
Take notes from Power Point:
Potential energy sample question: A block is sitting on a platform 20 m high. It weighs 50 kg. How much
Potential energy does it contain?
Kinetic energy sample question: You serve a volleyball with a mass of .05 kg. The ball leaves your hand with
a speed of 30 m/s.
Total mechanical energy sample question: What is the Mechanical energy when
the pendulum is at the high point (height=2 m)?
Kinetic energy sample question: What is the kinetic energy when the pendulum is at the halfway point
(height=1 m) when the total mechanical energy is 4 J (from previous question)?
Directions: Write down the definition for each from your Cornell notes
ENERGY:
KINETIC ENERGY:
POTENTIAL ENERGY:
LAW OF CONCERVATION OF MATTER
ENERGY TRANSFORMATION
KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY WORKSHEET
Potential energy: PE = mgh
Kinetic energy: KE = 1/2 m v2
Total mechanical energy: ME = PE + KE
Practice problems:
1. A baby carriage is sitting at the top of a hill that is 21 m high. The carriage with the baby weighs 12 Kg. The
carriage has ____________ energy. Calculate it.
2. A car is traveling with a velocity of 40 m/s and has a mass of 1120 kg. The car has ___________energy.
Calculate it.
3. A cinder block is sitting on a platform 20 m high. It weighs 79 N. The block has _____________ energy.
Calculate it.
4. There is a bell at the top of a tower that is 45 m high. The bell weighs 190 N. The bell has ____________
energy. Calculate it.
5. A roller coaster is moving 10 m/s and a mass of 7 kg. The roller coaster has ____________ energy. Calculate
it.
6. What is the mechanical energy of the cart on the right at position A. The
cart is not in motion. (height=15 m, mass = 12 kg, gravity = 10 m/s2)?
7. What is the kinetic energy when the moving cart is 2/3 the way down
(height=5 m) when the total mechanical energy is _____________ (from
previous question)?