Energy Concepts Quiz

Pick the terms that best complete the sentences. __________ is the ability to cause change. _________ is energy of motion, while __________ is energy based on the position of configuration of an object. Which terms best complete the paragraph?

• Energy; Kinetic energy; potential energy

• Potential energy; Kinetic energy; potential energy

• Energy; Kinetic energy; chemical energy

• Kinetic energy; Potential energy; chemical energy

Answer explanation

The correct terms are 'Energy' for the ability to cause change, 'Kinetic energy' for energy of motion, and 'potential energy' for energy based on position or configuration. Thus, the best choice is 'Energy; Kinetic energy; potential energy'.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Which option accurately completes the following statement? The gravitational potential energy of an object on Earth increases with the ______ of the object and the _______ of the object relative to Earth.

• gravity; mass

• zero gravity; height

• mass; gravity

• mass; height

Answer explanation

The gravitational potential energy increases with the mass of the object, as more mass means more energy. It also increases with height, as higher elevation results in greater potential energy relative to Earth.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Which of the following is an example of gravitational potential energy being released as kinetic energy?

• A baseball player catching a ball

• A soccer player dribbling a soccer ball

• A tennis player making contact with a tennis ball

• A skydiver jumping out of a plane

Answer explanation

A skydiver jumping out of a plane demonstrates gravitational potential energy being converted to kinetic energy as they fall. The height of the plane gives them potential energy, which transforms into speed as they descend.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Use the figure to complete the statement. The gravitational potential energy of the roller coaster car reaches its greatest value at ________ and its smallest value at ______________.

• point A; point B

• point B; point C

• point C; point B

• point A; point C

Answer explanation

The gravitational potential energy is highest at point B, where the car is at its peak height, and lowest at point C, where it is at the lowest point. Thus, the correct completion is: point B; point C.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Suppose a group of students collaborate on a research project to determine the differences between kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy. Which of the following best describes how kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy change when the marble shown in the diagram is released?

• Kinetic energy increases while gravitational potential energy decreases.

• Both kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy increase.

• Kinetic energy decreases while gravitational potential energy increases.

• Both kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy remain constant.

Answer explanation

When the marble is released, it falls under gravity. As it descends, its height decreases, leading to a decrease in gravitational potential energy. Simultaneously, its speed increases, resulting in an increase in kinetic energy.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-1

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This diagram shows part of a new design for a roller coaster track. At Point A, the roller coaster car is already moving with enough speed to reach the top of the first hill to reach Point B. Use the diagram to review the plan. Where could the roller coaster car have the most gravitational potential energy?

• At the top of the first hill

• At the bottom of the first hill

• At Point A

• At Point B

Answer explanation

The roller coaster car has the most gravitational potential energy at the top of the first hill because potential energy is highest at the highest point in the track due to its elevation above the ground.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Consider a pendulum swinging back and forth. At which point in its swing does the pendulum have the maximum kinetic energy?

• At the highest point of the swing

• At the lowest point of the swing

• At the midpoint of the swing

• At the point where it stops momentarily

Answer explanation

The pendulum has maximum kinetic energy at the lowest point of the swing because all potential energy has been converted to kinetic energy, resulting in the highest speed and energy at that position.

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Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy?

• A car accelerating on a flat road

• A book falling off a shelf

• A person walking up a hill

• A light bulb being turned on

Answer explanation

A book falling off a shelf illustrates the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy as it falls due to gravity, transforming stored energy (potential) into motion (kinetic).

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5

In a hydroelectric power plant, water stored in a reservoir is released to flow through turbines. What type of energy transformation occurs in this process?

• Thermal energy to electrical energy

• Chemical energy to kinetic energy

• Gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy

• Electrical energy to gravitational potential energy

Answer explanation

In a hydroelectric power plant, water stored in a reservoir has gravitational potential energy. When released, this energy transforms into kinetic energy as the water flows through turbines, generating electricity.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Which of the following best describes the energy transformation that occurs when a ball is thrown upwards and then falls back down?

• Kinetic energy to potential energy and back to kinetic energy

• Potential energy to kinetic energy and back to potential energy

• Chemical energy to thermal energy and back to chemical energy

• Electrical energy to kinetic energy and back to electrical energy

Answer explanation

When a ball is thrown upwards, it converts kinetic energy (motion) to potential energy (height). As it falls, potential energy transforms back into kinetic energy, making the correct choice kinetic energy to potential energy and back to kinetic energy.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5