Spark
Loading...

Current-Year Launcher Rules

← Builds on Scoring Window and Log Analysis

Terms you will need

  • elastic potential energyElastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed, like a spring, and can be released when the object returns to its original shape.
  • kinetic energyKinetic energy is the energy an object has because it is moving. The faster it moves, the more kinetic energy it has.
  • energy conversionEnergy conversion is when energy changes from one form to another, like when stored energy in a spring turns into motion energy.

How this topic runs

  1. 1Start here
  2. 2How it works

Figures (3)

Figure 9.2 The velocity and momentum vectors for the ball are in the same direction. (credit: modification of work by Ben Sutherland)
Figure 9.3 This supertanker transports a huge mass of oil; as a consequence, it takes a long time for a force to change its (comparatively small) velocity. (credit: modification of work by “the_tahoe_guy”/Flickr)
Figure 9.4 Gas molecules can have very large velocities, but these velocities change nearly instantaneously when they collide with the container walls or with each other. This is primarily because their masses are so tiny.

This stored energy is called elastic potential energy. When released, it becomes kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. To talk about this, you need to know terms like momentum, angular velocity, and rotational motion.

Momentum is a measure of how hard it is to stop a moving object. It depends on the object’s mass and velocity. Angular velocity describes how fast something rotates around an axis.

It is measured in radians per second. This includes using formulas to find momentum, angular velocity, and the energy stored in elastic materials.

Key Points

  • Elastic potential energy is the mechanical energy stored in a material or physical system due to elastic deformation.
  • Kinetic energy is the form of energy an object possesses due to its motion.

Terms

Tap a term for a plain-language explanation.

Sources & licensing(4)