Systems and Energy-Potential and Kinetic Energy

Question 1

In science, what does the word “system” mean?

Answer 1

In science, the word “system: means a group of related things that work together. Example: the eye.

Question 2

How large can a system be?

Answer 2

Systems can be big and complex like the solar system.

There are also little systems in big systems like the organs in your body.

Question 3

How does parts of a system interact with each other?

Answer 3

The parts of system interact with each other by exchanging energy.

Question 4

What is the definition of energy?

Answer 4

Energy is the ability or capacity to cause change.

Question 5

What is potential energy?

Answer 5

Potential energy is the capability of change.

Question 6

What is kinetic energy?

Answer 6

Kinetic energy is the conversion of this capability (potential energy) to motion

Question 7

Energy causes change. What types of changes can occur or take place in a system?

Answer 7

1. temperature
2. speed
3. position
4. mass
5. other physical variables

Question 8

What are the types of Energy?

Answer 8

Potential
Kinetic
Chemical 
Thermal
Mechanical
Radiant
Electrical
Sound

Question 9

What is Potential Energy?

Answer 9

• Potential energy is stored energy due to an object’s height above the Earth’s surface.
• This kind of energy comes from Earth’s gravity.
• Energy due to position.

Question 10

What are examples of Potential Energy?

Answer 10

Stretching a rubber band.
Water atop a waterfall.
Yo-yo held in your hand.
Drawing a bow.

Question 11

How can Potential Energy be created in an object?

Answer 11

Potential Energy is created when the position of an object is altered.
Example: A yo-yo on the table, doesn’t have energy, but when picked up, it alters its position and now it has the ability (or potential) to change.
Example: A bow doesn’t have the capacity to do work, unless it’s held at an elevated position.

Question 12

How isPotential Energy converted to Kinetic Energy?

Answer 12

When stored energy begins to move, the object now transfers from potential energy into kinetic energy.

Question 13

What is Kinectic Energy?

Answer 13

Kinetic energy is energy of motion caused by an object’s motion.

Question 14

What are examples of Kinetic Energy?

Answer 14

Shooting a rubber band.

Water falling over the fall.

A Yo-Yo in motion.

Releasing the arrow from the bow.