A metal ball and a wooden ball are at rest on a tabletop. The metal ball is heavier and smaller than the wooden ball. Which ball has more mechanical energy?

• The wooden ball because it is bigger than the metal ball.

• The metal ball because it is smaller than the wooden ball.

• The metal ball because it has more gravitational potential energy than the wooden ball.

• The wooden ball because it has more gravitational potential energy than the metal ball.

This diagram shows a roller coaster with four cars in motion. Which statement describes the energy of the cars?

• The cars have both kinetic energy and potential energy while they are moving.

• The amount of kinetic energy and potential energy is equal for all four cars.

• The amount of potential energy is equal for all four cars.

• The cars have no energy while they are moving.

Which statement best describes the energy of a sled as it slides down a smooth, ice-covered hill?

• Kinetic energy increases, but the total amount of mechanical energy stays the same.

• Kinetic energy decreases, causing the total amount of mechanical energy to decrease.

• Potential energy increases, but the total amount of mechanical energy stays the same.

• Potential energy decreases, causing the total amount of mechanical energy to decrease.

When does an object begin to convert potential energy into kinetic energy?

• when the object begins moving

• when the object slows down its motion

• when the object is sitting on a high shelf

• when the object is stationary on the ground

Which example best demonstrates kinetic energy?

• a fox running down a hill

• a tree standing in a forest

• a leaf hanging on a tree limb

• a rock on the ground below a tall cliff

Which example demonstrates potential energy?

• a car driving down a hill

• a notebook falling off a tall table

• a ball resting on the edge of a table

• a dog running through the park chasing a squirrel

A diver dives into a swimming pool. To what type of energy does gravitational potential energy transfer?

• kinetic energy

• thermal energy

• chemical energy

• potential energy

Which example demonstrates kinetic energy?

• a melting ice cube

• a bouncing basketball

• a baseball player holding a bat

• a roller coaster at the top of a hill

The diagram below shows the path of a bicyclist. At which point on the hill does the bicyclist have the most potential energy?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Which example best demonstrates the transfer of potential energy to kinetic energy?

• a player falling to the floor of the basketball court

• a player catching a basketball thrown by another player

• a player hitting a basketball that is moving through the air

• a player holding a basketball over his head and then throwing the ball