Potential/Kinetic Energy

Choose the best statement that reflects the transformation between potential and kinetic energy of a roller coaster ride

• As a coaster car makes its descent, kinetic energy is transferred to potential energy as it moves downhill

• Kinetic energy is at its greatest when a coaster car is at the highest point. Then the energy is transferred to potential energy

• Potential energy is at its greatest when the car moves down the hill, then it would transfer into kinetic energy as it moves up the next hill

• Potential energy is at its greatest at the highest point in this ride. As a car moves down the hill, energy is transferred to kinetic energy

In the classroom demo shown below, a rubber ball is dropped from position 1. The ball bounces as shown. At which of these positions does the ball have the greatest kinetic energy and the least potential energy?

• Position 1

• Position 2

• Position 3

• Position 4

Which type of energy best describes a stationary rubber band that is stretched?

• kinetic

• electrical

• potential

• thermal

Which type of energy describes the motion of a ball rolling down a hill?

• potential

• kinetic

• mechanical

A student releases a ball to roll along the track shown above. The table shows the height of each point labeled on the track. At which of the following points would the ball's kinetic energy be the greatest?

• V

• W

• X

• Y

When examining the energy of a cart on a rollercoaster, where is its gravitational potential energy at its maximum?

• At the highest point

• At the lowest point

• Nowhere. Potential energy is constant

• Midway between the lowest and highest point

Kinetic energy is related to 

• position or height of an object
• speed of an object

Potential energy is related to 

• position or height of an object
• speed of an object

• Potential Energy
• Kinetic Energy

• Potential Energy
• Kinetic Energy