Name: ___________________________
POTENTIAL AND KINETIC ENERGY CALCULATIONS WORKSHEET
In Lesson 15.1, you learned that Potential Energy = mass x gravity x height. The
formula can also be written to find mass or height. Use the below formulas to solve the
following problems.
Potential Energy = mass x gravity x height Units: J
Mass = Potential Energy / (gravity x height) Units: kg
Height = Potential Energy / (mass x gravity) Units: m
Gravitational Constant = 9.8 m/s2
In Lesson 15.1, you learned that Kinetic Energy = ½ x mass x velocity2.
Kinetic Energy = ½ x mass x velocity2Units: J
1. Calculate the potential energy of a rock with a mass of 5 kg while sitting on a cliff that is
30 m high.
2. Calculate the potential energy of an object with a mass of 15 kg while sitting on a shelf
that is 20 m high.
3. Calculate the potential energy of a statue with a mass of 20 kg while sitting on a table
that is 2 m high.
