Energy Quiz 1

A ball, resting at position J, is released down a ramp as shown in the diagram. At which position does the ball’s mechanical energy equal its potential energy?

• J

• K

• L

• M

Which describes the mechanical energy of a stopped car on a steep hill?

• The mechanical energy is equal to the kinetic energy of the car.

• The mechanical energy is equal to the potential energy of the car.

• The mechanical energy is less than the kinetic energy of the car.

• The mechanical energy is greater than the potential energy of the car.

A box is moved from a low table to a high shelf. How is its mechanical energy affected?

• It remains the same, because its potential and kinetic energy both remain the same.

• It decreases, because its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy remains the same.

• It increases, because its potential energy increases and its kinetic energy remains the same.

• It increases, because its potential and kinetic energy both increase.

Which explains what happens to the energy of a roller coaster when it moves from a resting position at the top of a hill to a moving position partway down the hill?

• The roller coaster’s mechanical energy stays the same, but its kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.

• The roller coaster’s mechanical energy stays the same, but its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

• The roller coaster’s mechanical energy increases, while its potential energy and kinetic energy both stay the same.

• The roller coaster’s mechanical energy decreases and its potential energy and kinetic energy both decrease.

The picture shows an extended slingshot.

• power

• kinetic energy

• elastic potential energy

• gravitational potential energy

The diagram shows the motion of a ball while being dropped. What happens to the energy of the ball from when t = 0 s to when t = 5 s?

• Potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases, but the total amount of mechanical energy remains the same.

• Potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases, but the total amount of mechanical energy remains the same.

• Potential energy and kinetic energy both increase, and the total amount of mechanical energy increases.

• Potential energy and kinetic energy both decrease, and the total amount of mechanical energy decreases.

A large demolition machine is used to knock down a building. Which wrecking ball has the most potential energy to knock down a building?

• demolition machine’s wrecking ball #1

• demolition machine’s wrecking ball #2

• demolition machine’s wrecking ball #3

• demolition machine’s wrecking ball #4

The graphic shows a cliff with a boulder resting on it. Which statement is correct?

• The rock in its current state is an example of kinetic energy.

• The rock in its current state is an example of potential energy.

• The rock will exhibit potential energy if it begins to roll down the cliff.

• The rock will exhibit kinetic energy if it remains resting in the same position.

A 20-kg ball and a 50-kg ball rest at the top of a ramp. Which statement best describes the potential energy of the balls?

• The 20-kg ball has the greater potential energy because it has less inertia.

• They have the same potential energy because their positions are the same.

• The 50-kg ball has the greater potential energy because it has the greater mass.

• They have the same potential energy because gravity has the same effect on each one.

What happens to the potential energy of a book that is dropped from a desk to the floor?

• It gains mass.

• It stays the same.

• It increases as the book falls.

• It is converted into kinetic energy.