Name of the Student__________________________________________________

Learning Area/Grade Level: ___________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

I. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT
Energy is an essential part of human life. Humans, machines, and all things need
energy to do work. Energy can be found in different forms like electrical energy, mechanical
energy, thermal energy, and many more. This learning packet will focus on two types of
mechanical energy: Kinetic Energy (KE) and Potential Energy (PE). However, there are
various forms of potential energy like elastic PE, chemical PE, gravitational PE and more.
So, to avoid confusion, potential energy here in this lesson refers and limits only to
gravitational potential energy. Whenever potential energy is mentioned in this lesson, it
means “gravitational potential energy”! So, kids, let’s start to identify and explain the factors
that affect PE and KE!

II. LEARNING SKILLS FROM THE MELC

MELC: Identify and explain the factors that affect potential and kinetic energy.
Objectives:
1. Identify factors affecting potential energy.
2. Explain how these factors affect potential energy.
3. Identify factors affecting kinetic energy.
4. Explain how these factors affect kinetic energy.

III. ACTIVITIES
A. Elicit / Engage
Hello there, kiddo! Carefully analyze the figures below. Write the word “PE” on
the circle if the illustration shows potential energy and “KE” if it shows kinetic
energy.

Q1: How do you know when an object possesses potential energy or kinetic
energy? ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

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 B. Explore

Explore and do the next activities to identify the factors that affect potential
and kinetic energy and explain how these factors affect potential and kinetic
energy. It’s a long ride, so get ready to explore and have fun!

Exploration PE: Factors affecting Potential Energy

Situation 1: Pogs, Jordan and Ivo climb up the tree to get pili nuts. When they were
on top, they remember their science topic about potential energy. The three boys argue who
among them has the greatest amount of gravitational potential energy and what factors may
affect their potential energy if all of them are positioned at the same height as the pili tree.
So they computed their potential energy and made a table for it.

Figure 1

Table 1. Computed Gravitational Potential Energy (PE) of Pogs, Jordan and Ivo
Height/ Gravitational
Acceleration
Pili Mass Distance from Potential Energy
due to gravity
Climber (kg) the ground PE = mgh
(m/s2)
(m) (J)
Pogs 50 9.8 5 2,450
Jordan 60 9.8 5 2,940
Ivo 70 9.8 5 3,430

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Guide Questions:
1. What can you say about the mass of Pogs, Jordan, and Ivo? ___________________
2. What can you say about the height or distance of Pogs, Jordan, and Ivo from the
ground? ____________________________________________________________
3. What can you say about the gravitational potential energy of Pogs, Jordan, and Ivo?
___________________________________________________________________
4. Who among Pogs, Jordan, and Ivo has the greatest mass? Who has the greatest
potential energy? _____________________________________________________
5. Referring to table 1, what do you think is the factor that affect the gravitational
potential energy of an object? ___________________________________________
6. How does this factor affect potential energy?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Situation 2: Four identical boxes are at different heights as shown below. If your
physics teacher asked you which of the following boxes has the greatest amount of
gravitational potential energy, what will be your answer? And why?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Figure 2

See and analyze the computed gravitational potential energy of the four
boxes below. Was your answer above correct?

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 Table 2. Computed Gravitational Potential Energy (PE) of the Boxes

Height/ Gravitational
Acceleration
Mass Distance from Potential Energy
Box due to gravity
(kg) the ground PE = mgh
(m/s2)
(m) (J)
A 1 9.8 0 0
B 1 9.8 5 49
C 1 9.8 10 98
D 1 9.8 15 147

1. Referring to Table 2, what other factor affects potential energy? ________________

2. How does this factor affect potential energy?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Exploration KE: Factors Affecting Kinetic Energy

Situation 3: Three balls with different masses are moving at the same speed as
shown below. Given the table of its kinetic energy answer the following questions

Figure 3

Table 3. Computed Kinetic Energy (KE) of Balls A, B, and C

Kinetic Energy
Mass Speed
Object (J)
(kg) (m/s)
KE = ½ mv2
A 1 2 2
B 3 2 6
C 6 2 12

1. What can you say about the mass of each ball? _____________________________
2. What can you say about the speed of each ball? ____________________________
3. Given the picture and the table, which ball possesses the greatest amount of kinetic
energy? Why do you say so? ___________________________________________
4. Based on the table, what is the factor that affect kinetic energy? ________________
5. How does this factor affect kinetic energy?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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Situation 4: Ivo wants to boost his immune system. He decided to exercise every morning.
He starts jogging at a speed of 1 m/s. Suddenly, a dog barks and runs after him. He speeds
up to 3 m/s until he reaches a speed of 5 m/s, as shown in figure 4. In which of the following
situations does Ivo possess the greatest amount of kinetic energy? Why do you say so?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Figure 4

Table 4. Computed Kinetic Energy (KE) of Ivo in 3 Different Situations

Mass Speed Kinetic Energy (J)
Ivo
(kg) (m/s) KE = ½ mv2
Situation A 50 1 25
Situation B 50 3 225
Situation C 50 5 625

1. What can you say about Ivo’s mass in three different situations? ________________
2. What do you think is the factor that contributes to the difference of Ivo’s kinetic
energy in three situations? ______________________________________________
3. How does this factor affect kinetic energy?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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 C. Explain
Let’s discuss in detail the factors affecting potential energy and kinetic
energy and how these factors affect kinetic energy and potential energy.

Potential Energy (PE) is the energy stored in a body or object by virtue of its position. The
term “potential” means that an object with potential energy has the capacity or “potential” to
do work if been released.
Exploration A focuses on the factors that affect potential energy and how these factors
affect potential energy. In situation 1, Pogs, Jordan, and Ivo with different masses have the
same distance from the ground. Given their potential energy, Ivo being the most massive
among the three boys, also has the greatest potential energy among others. With this, we
can conclude that the greater the mass of an object, the greater its potential energy. Thus,
mass (m) is a factor that can affect the amount of potential energy a body possessed. So
table 2 clearly shows that as the mass of an object is changed, the potential energy of that
object is also changed.
If you doubled or tripled the mass,
the potential energy will also be
doubled or tripled at a constant
height or distance from the ground.
The relationship between the mass
of an object and its potential energy
at constant height or distance from
the ground can be sum up in figure
5.
The next part of the activity is situation 2. You are asked to identify other factors that may
affect gravitational potential energy aside from the mass of an object. Given the four (4)
identical boxes, meaning they all have the same mass. We can say that mass (m) and
acceleration due to gravity (g) here is constant. So what is being changed? Yeah, right! The
four boxes were positioned at different heights, as
shown in figure 6.
What did you observe in the box’s potential energy
as its height or distance from the ground increases?
Great! As the box has been elevated to a much higher
position, its gravitational potential energy becomes
higher. Box A has zero gravitational potential energy
with respect to its position (zero height). Therefore, we
can conclude that the height (h) or distance of the
object from the ground is a factor that affects
gravitational potential energy (PE). The relationship
between the height of an object from the ground and its
potential energy at constant mass can be sum up in
figure 6.

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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 To summarize the concept, Potential Energy can be in the form of gravitational potential
energy (the one that is being discussed in this lesson). Gravitational Potential Energy is
energy stored in an object as the result of its height or vertical position. So the cat sitting on
the table, the car hanging on a cliff, a basket of fruits on the table, and the water on the top
of the fall possess potential energy due to its vertical position or height from a reference
point (usually from a ground or surface of the earth). Gravitational Potential Energy (PEgrav)
on Earth is directly proportional to the mass (m) and the height (h) of an object. These
relationships are expressed by the equation below.

The second exploration identifies the factors that

affect the kinetic energy of an object. Kinetic energy, as we
know, is energy possessed by a moving object. Hence, an
object at rest has zero kinetic energy. So, what are the
factors that may affect kinetic energy? Let’s compare the
computed KE of the three balls with different masses and
moving at the same speed. Since the speed (v) of the three
balls is held constant, you have observed in the given table,
“the greater the mass of an object, the greater its kinetic
energy. We can say that mass is a factor that affects the
kinetic energy of an object. Reducing the mass of an object
by ½, its kinetic energy (KE) will also be reduced to ½. We
can therefore say that at constant speed, the amount of KE a
body possessed is directly proportional to its mass. KE and
mass relationship can be represented in figure 7.

The last part of the activity investigated how

speed (v) greatly affects an object’s kinetic energy.
The computed table of Ivo’s kinetic energy shows that
a small increase in his speed greatly affects his
kinetic energy (KE).

At constant mass of an object, as you increase the

speed twice as fast as the original speed, its KE will
increase four times than the first value. Increasing the
speed four times will give you sixteen times (16x) KE!
How did this happen? Kinetic Energy (KE) is not only
directly related to speed but to the square of the
speed of an object as shown in figure 8. That is why a
small increase in speed gives a great increase in its
KE!

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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 To summarize the concept, any object in motion has kinetic energy. So the boy playing
with the skateboard, the car driving on the road, and the water falling possessed kinetic
energy because of their motion. Kinetic Energy (KE) is directly proportional to the mass (m)
and square of the speed of an object. The relationship is expressed in the equation below.

Have you paid attention to the unit of potential energy and kinetic energy? Great! Joule(s)
is the SI unit of kinetic energy and potential energy in honor of the physicist, JAMES
PRESCOTT JOULE. In fact, all energy has the same unit, which is kg m2/s2. And 1 kg m2/s2
is equivalent to 1 Joule (J).

D. Elaborate/ Extend

Let’s explore the falls of Sorsogon!

In this part of the lesson, you are going to apply what you have learned.
The pictures shown below are the different falls that can be found in the province
of Sorsogon. Analyze the three pictures and answer the questions that follow.

Questions:
1. How can waterfalls be used as a potential source of hydroelectric power?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. In which of the following waterfalls above might be used as a good source of
hydroelectric power? Why?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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 E. Evaluate
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer, then provide an explanation of
your level of conceptual understanding. (Rubrics is provided for scoring)

1. What are the factors that affect kinetic energy?

a. mass and height c. height and speed
b. mass and speed d. height and acceleration
Explanation: ____________________________________________
2. Which of the following factors affect potential energy?
I. speed III. Height
II. mass IV. Time

a. I and II b. II and III c. I and III d. III and IV

Explanation: ____________________________________________
3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the figure below? Assume
that the two objects have different masses and the circle has twice the mass as the
triangle, but they are elevated at the same height?

a. The two objects have the same potential energy.

b. The triangle has greater potential energy than the circle.
c. The circle has greater potential energy than the triangle.
d. PE cannot be compared since they have different shapes.
Explanation: ____________________________________________
4. Which of the following illustrations has the greatest kinetic energy?

Explanation: ____________________________________________
5. Which of the following situations has the highest kinetic energy?
a. a 60 kg car at rest c. a 60 kg horse moving 2 m/s
b. a 60 kg man moving 1 m/s d. a 60 kg carabao moving 3 m/s

Explanation: ____________________________________________

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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IV. RUBRIC FOR SCORING
Score Level of Conceptual Understanding
Students who were able to clarify their understanding of a
science concept which is also consistent with the
Complete
3 points established scientific views. This included those students
Understanding
who have answered the question correctly and also
explained their answers correctly.
Students who had acquired some understanding of a
science concept although this understanding was not
expressed in an integrated or unified way. Belonging to
Partial
2 points this category were those who answered the question
Understanding
correctly but could not fully explain their answer. The
answer included at least one idea or concept in
understanding level.
Students whose explanation of the natural phenomenon
Faulty was confused and contradictory. These were the students
1 point
Understanding who could answer the questions correctly but could not
explain their answer correctly.
Students who did not express their answer or idea about
No the phenomenon. They were those who could not answer
0 point
Understanding the question correctly and those who refused to answer
the question

V. ANSWER KEY
A. Elicit/ Engage
1. PE 2. KE 3. PE 4. PE 5. KE 6. PE and KE
Q1: Potential Energy is energy at rest or energy stored or possessed by an object
due to its position. Situations like an object is at rest, object is elastic like rubber band, object
stored energy like foods, fruits etc. and objects elevated in a certain height with respect to a
reference point like the ground shows potential energy. On the other hand, objects that are
moving possessed kinetic energy.

B. Explore
Exploring: Factors affecting Potential Energy
Situation 1: Guide Questions:

1. Pogs, Jordan and Ivo have different masses.

2. Pogs, Jordan and Ivo’s height or distance from the ground are the same or constant.
3. Pogs, Jordan and Ivo have different gravitational potential energy
4. Ivo has the greatest mass and also has the greatest potential energy among others.
5. Based on table 1, mass is a factor that affect potential energy.
6. The greater the mass of an object, the greater its potential energy.

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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 Situation 2.

Box D has the greatest amount of potential energy because it is elevated in the highest
position among the three boxes.

1. The other factor that affects potential energy is the height or distance of the object
from a reference point, commonly the surface of the earth or ground.
2. As the height of an object increases, its potential energy also increases.

Exploring: Factors Affecting Kinetic Energy

Situation 3
1. The mass of each ball is different from one another
2. The speed of each ball is the same from one another
3. Ball C possesses the greatest amount of kinetic energy because it is the most massive
among the balls.
4. Based on the table, mass is the factor that affects kinetic energy.
5. The greater the mass, the greater the potential energy of an object

Situation 4.

Ivo possesses the greatest amount of kinetic energy when he runs at the speed of 5m/s
because the greater the speed an object has, the greater its kinetic energy.

1. Ivo’s mass did not change in three different situations. He still has a mass of 50 kg.
2. The reason why Ivo has different kinetic energy in the three situations is because of
his speed.
3. Speed affects most of its kinetic energy. The square of the speed is directly
proportional to the kinetic energy. Thus, a small increase in speed shows a great
increase in its kinetic energy.

C. Elaborate/Extend
1. Hydroelectric power used falling water to generate electricity. Water on the top of
the mountain has potential energy because of its height. Meaning the water on top
has the potential capability to do work. As the water falls down, potential energy
converted to kinetic energy because of water’s motion. So, if we are going to put a
turbine at the bottom of the falls, the kinetic energy of the water will make a work
on the turbine. Making the turbine to rotate, hence, producing electricity. A simple
explanation of how hydroelectric power plant works. But some hydroelectric power
plant use dam instead of waterfalls.

2. All the following falls above might be used as a source of hydroelectric power, but
based on what you have learned about how the height of an object affects
potential energy. We can say that Nagsipit falls can be the best option for a good
source of hydroelectric power because of its height.

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 D. Evaluate
1. b. mass and speed
Explanation: Kinetic Energy is directly proportional to the mass of an object and to
the square of the speed of an object. The greater the mass, the greater the kinetic
energy an object possessed. If you double the speed of an object gives you four
times increase in its kinetic energy.

2. b. II mass and III height

Explanation: Potential Energy is directly proportional to the mass and height of an
object from the ground or surface of the earth. Doubling the mass and height of an
object makes a four-time increase in an object’s potential energy.

3. c. The circle has greater potential energy than the triangle.

Explanation: To see which object possesses a greater potential energy. Mass and
height of the object must be considered. However, since the circle and the triangle
are both positioned at the same height, so height is constant. The mass alone will
be the factor for PE. So the circle which has a greater mass means has greater
potential energy than the triangle.

4. b.
Explanation: As shown in the computed KE below of each ball, the ball in choice b
has the greatest kinetic energy because it has the greatest speed, although the
ball in choice b is not that massive as the ball in choice D. This only shows that the
speed of an object affects the most the amount of kinetic energy an object
possessed than an object’s mass.

5. d. a 60 kg carabao moving 3 m/s

Explanation. Mass and speed are the factors that affect kinetic energy. Since all
objects have the same mass, so their speeds alone affect the kinetic energy they
possessed. The carabao, which has the greatest speed among others means it
has the greatest kinetic energy.

RO_Science_Grade 8_Q1_LP 2
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VI. REFLECTION

Complete the statement below:

1. I have learned that
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.

2. I wish to ask my teacher about

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________.

VII. REFERENCES

Anon, Potential energy. The Physics Classroom. Available at:

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/energy/Lesson-1/Potential-Energy [Accessed
August 17, 2021].

Balangue, Ellie. “Nagsipit Falls, Casiguran, Sorsogon.” From The Highest Peak to The
Deepest Sea, March 3, 2018. https://chasingculprit.blogspot.com/2018/03/nagsipit-
falls-casiguran-sorsogon.html.

Gamil, Alma P. “Palogtoc Falls Back to Nature.” Palogtoc Falls back to nature, January 1,
1970. http://bulusanvirtualtour.blogspot.com/2013/04/palogtoc-falls-back-to-
nature.html.

Gamil, Alma P. “Bayugin Vicinity.” Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines, May 28, 2014.
https://bulusanruralvagabond.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/dsc09545copy2.jpg.

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Editors: CHRISTINA G. GUAÑIZO-BENTIC

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