English National Curriculum Science

2. Explore the gravitational potential energy store

Mission Objectives

Recall the equation to calculate gravitational potential energy (GPE)

Use values for GPE to calculate the theoretical velocity of an object

Explain why the maximum theoretical velocity is never actually reached

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KS4-18-02 Lesson Slides KS4-18-02 Mission Assignment KS4-18-02 PDF Handout KS4-18-02 Handout KS4-18-02-Teacher Answers

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

scientific calculator

a type of calculator designed to calculate problems in science, engineering and mathematics

GPE

stands for gravitational potential energy; the amount of GPE an object has on Earth depends on its mass and height above the ground

mass

a measure of how much matter is in an object; measured in kg

velocity

the speed of something in a given direction

theoretical

the theory of a subject or area of study rather than its practical application

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Required Resources

Resources: Class presentation and handout.

Handout: Summarise the work of Kelvin and Rankine. Worked examples of how to use the equation. Practice using the formula in GPE calculations. Apply knowledge of KE and GPE to decide which statements match the 2 types of energy.

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