Energy Potential & Kinetic The Types Part 2
Chemical Energy
- In food provides the energy that humans need for life functions.
- It heats our buildings when we burn oil, gas, coal, or wood.
- In batteries it provides electricity when the battery is connected to a circuit.
- Exothermic- reactions release energy, causing the surroundings to heat up
- Endothermic- reactions absorb energy, causing the surroundings to feel cold.
Chemical Energy
Chemical Energy
In reactions that release energy (exothermic), the "leftover" energy in the products is less than what the reactants started with because that energy was "lost" to the environment as heat or light.
Chemical Energy
Chemical Energy
In reactions that release energy (exothermic), the "leftover" energy in the products is less than what the reactants started with because that energy was "lost" to the environment as heat or light.
Chemical Energy
To succeed on these questions, you don’t need to be a chemist, but you should be comfortable with these three pillars:
1. The "Feel" of the Reaction - Exothermic: Energy is exiting. These reactions feel hot (e.g., fire, hand warmers). - Endothermic: Energy is moving in. These reactions feel cold (e.g., chemical ice packs, photosynthesis).
2. Conservation of Energy
Energy is never created or destroyed; it only changes form. - In a battery, chemical energy changes into electrical energy. - In your body, the chemical energy in food changes into mechanical energy (movement) and thermal energy (body heat).
3. Reading Graphs and Tables - The HiSET loves to provide a "Potential Energy Diagram." - The "Hill": The hump in the middle of the graph is the activation energy—the "spark" needed to get things moving. - The Start vs. Finish: Look at where the line starts (reactants) and where it ends (products). If the finish line is lower than the start, energy was released
Nuclear Energy
- In food provides the energy that humans need for life functions.
- It heats our buildings when we burn oil, gas, coal, or wood.
- In batteries it provides electricity when the battery is connected to a circuit.
Nuclear Energy
- In food provides the energy that humans need for life functions.
- It heats our buildings when we burn oil, gas, coal, or wood.
- In batteries it provides electricity when the battery is connected to a circuit.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
Fission means "to split." Fusion is the opposite (joining together), which is what happens in the sun.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
After the first 10 years (one half-life), the 100g is cut in half to 50g. After the next 10 years (the second half-life), that 50g is cut in half again, leaving 25g.
Nuclear Energy
For half-life and radiation questions, keep these "rules of thumb" in mind
1. The "Half" is Constant A common mistake is thinking the material disappears at a constant rate (e.g., losing 50g every 10 years). In reality, you always divide the current amount by 2. It technically never reaches zero; it just keeps getting smaller and smaller.
2. Identifying Radiation Types
The HiSET might ask you to distinguish between the three main types of nuclear radiation based on their "penetrating power" (how easily they are stopped):- Alpha: Big and slow. Can be stopped by a piece of paper. - Beta: Smaller and faster. Can be stopped by aluminum foil. - Gamma: High-energy waves. Requires thick lead or concrete to stop.
3. Stability and Neutrons A nucleus becomes unstable (radioactive) when the ratio of protons to neutrons is "off." To become stable again, the atom spits out particles or energy. This is called Radioactive Decay. This is a natural process, unlike fission in a reactor which is usually forced by humans.
Electrical Energy
- The form of energy to power our devices and operate our technology.
- Can turn on a motor
- Plate a set of flatware with a layer of silver
- Store data on a hard drive.
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
In a series circuit, all components are in a single line. If one part breaks (like unscrewing a bulb), the entire loop is broken, and the current stops everywhere.
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
Insulators (like rubber or plastic) resist the flow of electrons, keeping the electricity contained within the wire and away from the user's hand
Electrical Energy
1. The Circuit Components -Voltage (V): The "pressure" pushing the electrons (measured in Volts). Think of a battery. - Current (I): The actual flow of electrons (measured in Amps). - Resistance (R): How much the material slows the flow down (measured in Ohms).
2. The Path of Least Resistance - Electricity is "lazy"—it will always take the easiest path to the ground or back to the battery. A short circuit happens when electricity finds a shortcut that bypasses the intended device (like a bulb), which can cause wires to overheat or sparks to fly
3. Energy Conversions- Electrical energy is almost always a "middle-man" in energy transformations. You should be able to trace it:- Toaster: Electrical >Thermal - Fan: Electrical > Mechanical (Kinetic) - Flashlight: Chemical (Battery) > Electrical > Light/Thermal
4. Static vs. Current Electricity - Static: A buildup of charges that stay in one place until they "jump" (like a lightning bolt or a shock from a doorknob). - Current: A steady, continuous flow of charges through a conductor (like the power in your walls).
Gravitational Energy
- Energy due to an object's position in a gravitational field
- Higher objects have more gravitational potential energy
- Example: climber on a mountain
- How does a roller coaster use potential and kinetic energy?
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to height. If you double the height, you double the energy. If you quadruple the height (from 0.5m to 2.0m), you quadruple the energy.
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational Energy
At the highest point, the car has the most "stored" energy (Potential). Since it isn't moving yet, it has no energy of motion (Kinetic).
Gravitational Energy
To nail gravitational energy questions, keep these three concepts in your "toolkit": 1. The Three Variables Gravitational Potential Energy depends on three things: - Mass: Heavier objects have more PE. (A brick at 10ft has more energy than a feather at 10ft). - Gravity: On Earth, this is constant, but if the HiSET asks about the Moon, remember: less gravity = less potential energy. -- Height: The higher up an object is, the more energy it has stored.
2. The Relationship with Kinetic Energy The HiSET loves to ask about the "Trade-off." As an object falls, its Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases. This is a perfect example of the Law of Conservation of Energy: the energy isn't disappearing; it’s just changing shape.
3. Calculating Energy (The Formula)While you might not have to do heavy math, you should recognize the formula:PE = mghMass X Gravity X Height
If a question gives you a table of different masses and heights, you can use this simple multiplication to see which object has the "most" energy.
Mechanical Energy
- Energy due to its motion or its position. It is the "useful" energy that allows an object to do work—like a hammer hitting a nail or a wind turbine spinning in the breeze
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Energy
This is the fundamental rule of mechanical energy. As the ball loses height (loses Potential Energy), it gains speed (gains Kinetic Energy). If you add them together at any point during the fall, the total "Mechanical Energy" stays the same.
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Energy
Since both cars are on the ground (zero height), their mechanical energy is entirely Kinetic. Kinetic energy depends on both speed and mass. Since Car Y is heavier, it has more "energy of motion."
Mechanical Energy
1. The Total Energy FormulaYou should recognize that Mechanical Energy ($ME$) is just a "bucket" containing two types of energy:ME = PE + KE If a question says an object has 100 Joules of PE and 50 Joules of KE, its Mechanical Energy is simply 150 Joules.
2. The Pendulum SwingThe HiSET loves the pendulum diagram.-At the highest points (the ends of the swing): The pendulum has maximum PE and zero KE (it stops for a split second). -At the lowest point (the center): The pendulum has zero PE (relative to its lowest point) and maximum KE (this is where it's moving fastest).
3. Real-World "Loss" (Friction)
In a "perfect" physics world, mechanical energy is always conserved. However, the HiSET might ask why a bouncing ball eventually stops. The Answer: Some mechanical energy is converted into Thermal Energy (heat) and Sound Energy due to friction and the impact with the floor. The energy isn't "gone," but it is no longer "mechanical" because it's not helping the ball move anymore.
Energy Potential & Kinetic The Types Part 2
Jane Kent
Created on February 23, 2026
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Transcript
Energy Potential & Kinetic The Types Part 2
Chemical Energy
Chemical Energy
Chemical Energy
In reactions that release energy (exothermic), the "leftover" energy in the products is less than what the reactants started with because that energy was "lost" to the environment as heat or light.
Chemical Energy
Chemical Energy
In reactions that release energy (exothermic), the "leftover" energy in the products is less than what the reactants started with because that energy was "lost" to the environment as heat or light.
Chemical Energy
To succeed on these questions, you don’t need to be a chemist, but you should be comfortable with these three pillars:
1. The "Feel" of the Reaction - Exothermic: Energy is exiting. These reactions feel hot (e.g., fire, hand warmers). - Endothermic: Energy is moving in. These reactions feel cold (e.g., chemical ice packs, photosynthesis).
2. Conservation of Energy Energy is never created or destroyed; it only changes form. - In a battery, chemical energy changes into electrical energy. - In your body, the chemical energy in food changes into mechanical energy (movement) and thermal energy (body heat).
3. Reading Graphs and Tables - The HiSET loves to provide a "Potential Energy Diagram." - The "Hill": The hump in the middle of the graph is the activation energy—the "spark" needed to get things moving. - The Start vs. Finish: Look at where the line starts (reactants) and where it ends (products). If the finish line is lower than the start, energy was released
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
Fission means "to split." Fusion is the opposite (joining together), which is what happens in the sun.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
After the first 10 years (one half-life), the 100g is cut in half to 50g. After the next 10 years (the second half-life), that 50g is cut in half again, leaving 25g.
Nuclear Energy
For half-life and radiation questions, keep these "rules of thumb" in mind
1. The "Half" is Constant A common mistake is thinking the material disappears at a constant rate (e.g., losing 50g every 10 years). In reality, you always divide the current amount by 2. It technically never reaches zero; it just keeps getting smaller and smaller.
2. Identifying Radiation Types
The HiSET might ask you to distinguish between the three main types of nuclear radiation based on their "penetrating power" (how easily they are stopped):- Alpha: Big and slow. Can be stopped by a piece of paper. - Beta: Smaller and faster. Can be stopped by aluminum foil. - Gamma: High-energy waves. Requires thick lead or concrete to stop.
3. Stability and Neutrons A nucleus becomes unstable (radioactive) when the ratio of protons to neutrons is "off." To become stable again, the atom spits out particles or energy. This is called Radioactive Decay. This is a natural process, unlike fission in a reactor which is usually forced by humans.
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
In a series circuit, all components are in a single line. If one part breaks (like unscrewing a bulb), the entire loop is broken, and the current stops everywhere.
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy
Insulators (like rubber or plastic) resist the flow of electrons, keeping the electricity contained within the wire and away from the user's hand
Electrical Energy
1. The Circuit Components -Voltage (V): The "pressure" pushing the electrons (measured in Volts). Think of a battery. - Current (I): The actual flow of electrons (measured in Amps). - Resistance (R): How much the material slows the flow down (measured in Ohms).
2. The Path of Least Resistance - Electricity is "lazy"—it will always take the easiest path to the ground or back to the battery. A short circuit happens when electricity finds a shortcut that bypasses the intended device (like a bulb), which can cause wires to overheat or sparks to fly
3. Energy Conversions- Electrical energy is almost always a "middle-man" in energy transformations. You should be able to trace it:- Toaster: Electrical >Thermal - Fan: Electrical > Mechanical (Kinetic) - Flashlight: Chemical (Battery) > Electrical > Light/Thermal
4. Static vs. Current Electricity - Static: A buildup of charges that stay in one place until they "jump" (like a lightning bolt or a shock from a doorknob). - Current: A steady, continuous flow of charges through a conductor (like the power in your walls).
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to height. If you double the height, you double the energy. If you quadruple the height (from 0.5m to 2.0m), you quadruple the energy.
Gravitational Energy
Gravitational Energy
At the highest point, the car has the most "stored" energy (Potential). Since it isn't moving yet, it has no energy of motion (Kinetic).
Gravitational Energy
To nail gravitational energy questions, keep these three concepts in your "toolkit": 1. The Three Variables Gravitational Potential Energy depends on three things: - Mass: Heavier objects have more PE. (A brick at 10ft has more energy than a feather at 10ft). - Gravity: On Earth, this is constant, but if the HiSET asks about the Moon, remember: less gravity = less potential energy. -- Height: The higher up an object is, the more energy it has stored.
2. The Relationship with Kinetic Energy The HiSET loves to ask about the "Trade-off." As an object falls, its Potential Energy decreases while its Kinetic Energy increases. This is a perfect example of the Law of Conservation of Energy: the energy isn't disappearing; it’s just changing shape.
3. Calculating Energy (The Formula)While you might not have to do heavy math, you should recognize the formula:PE = mghMass X Gravity X Height
If a question gives you a table of different masses and heights, you can use this simple multiplication to see which object has the "most" energy.
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Energy
This is the fundamental rule of mechanical energy. As the ball loses height (loses Potential Energy), it gains speed (gains Kinetic Energy). If you add them together at any point during the fall, the total "Mechanical Energy" stays the same.
Mechanical Energy
Mechanical Energy
Since both cars are on the ground (zero height), their mechanical energy is entirely Kinetic. Kinetic energy depends on both speed and mass. Since Car Y is heavier, it has more "energy of motion."
Mechanical Energy
1. The Total Energy FormulaYou should recognize that Mechanical Energy ($ME$) is just a "bucket" containing two types of energy:ME = PE + KE If a question says an object has 100 Joules of PE and 50 Joules of KE, its Mechanical Energy is simply 150 Joules.
2. The Pendulum SwingThe HiSET loves the pendulum diagram.-At the highest points (the ends of the swing): The pendulum has maximum PE and zero KE (it stops for a split second). -At the lowest point (the center): The pendulum has zero PE (relative to its lowest point) and maximum KE (this is where it's moving fastest).
3. Real-World "Loss" (Friction) In a "perfect" physics world, mechanical energy is always conserved. However, the HiSET might ask why a bouncing ball eventually stops. The Answer: Some mechanical energy is converted into Thermal Energy (heat) and Sound Energy due to friction and the impact with the floor. The energy isn't "gone," but it is no longer "mechanical" because it's not helping the ball move anymore.