1.1.6 KE, GPE & EPE

• Kinetic Energy (KE)

  The energy an object has due to its motion
• Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)

  The energy an object possesses due to its height in a gravitational field
• Elastic Potential Energy (EPE)


  The energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed
• These forms of energy often convert into each other, especially in systems where motion, height, and elasticity are involved
• The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed from one form to another
• The total energy in a closed system remains constant
• Energy Transfer Between KE, GPE, and EPE

  • Pendulum Swing
  • Bouncing Ball
  • Roller Coaster
  • Spring-Loaded Toy
• Pendulum Swing Energy Transfer

  1. GPE to KE: At highest point, maximum GPE, minimal KE

  2. KE to GPE: As it swings back up, KE converts back to GPE
• Bouncing Ball Energy Transfer

  1. GPE to KE: When dropped, GPE decreases, converting to KE

  2. KE to EPE: When hitting ground, KE converts to EPE
• Bouncing Ball Energy Transfer

  EPE to KE and GPE: As it bounces back up, EPE converts to KE, then to GPE
• Roller Coaster Energy Transfer

  1. GPE to KE: At top of hill, maximum GPE, converts to KE as it descends

  2. KE to GPE: As it ascends, KE converts back to GPE
• Spring-Loaded Toy Energy Transfer

  1. EPE to KE: Compressing spring stores EPE, released as KE

  2. KE to GPE: If launched upwards, KE converts to GPE
• These energy types can be transformed into each other but the total energy within a closed system remains constant, in line with the conservation of energy principle