POGIL: Combined PE & KE (QZ)

The diagram represents the path of a ball after it has been thrown. Letters A, B, C, and D represent different locations in the path that the ball traveled. At which location did the ball have the greatest potential energy?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

Kinetic energy is about speed, but potential energy is related to the height above the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

The diagram represents a roller coaster at two positions on the roller coaster track. Compared to the potential energy of the roller coaster at the top of hill 1, the potential energy of the roller coaster at the top of hill 2 is

• less because the roller coaster is at a lower elevation

• less because the roller coaster is on a more gentle slope

• greater because the roller coaster is at a lower elevation

• greater because the roller coaster is on a more gentle slope

Answer explanation

Potential energy is defined as the stored energy due to an object's position. An increase in an object's height cause a subsequent increase in the object's potential energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

The diagram represents energy transformations in a moving electric toy car. Which form of energy is the original source of power for this car?

• electrical

• mechanical

• sound

• light

Answer explanation

Mechanical energy is the energy which is possessed by an object due to its motion or its stored energy of position. The original source of power for this car comes from the sun being captured by the solar panels and producing electrical energy for the motor to run and the car to move.

A gymnast performs on a trampoline. Figure 1 shows the gymnast at her lowest point. Figure 2 shows the gymnast at her highest point. Which table shows how gravitational and elastic potential energy change between Figure 1 and Figure 2?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

In Figure 1, gravitational potential energy is at its minimum due to the gymnast being at her lowest position. In Figure 1, the trampoline is at its maximum elastic potential energy because of its maximum amount of stretch. Gravitational potential energy is at its maximum in Figure 2 because the gymnast is in her highest position.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

An archer positions an arrow on the string of a traditional bow. The table shows the steps the archer takes to fire the arrow. Select the step that shows that the kinetic energy of the arrow is greater than the elastic potential energy of the bow.

• Step 1

• Step 2

• Step 3

• Step 4

Answer explanation

An object that is not moving has zero kinetic energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

An archer positions an arrow on the string of a traditional bow. The table shows the steps the archer takes to fire the arrow. Which of the following graphs correctly illustrate the elastic potential energy of the bow for Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Answer explanation

Elastic potential energy is associated with how much an elastic object has been stretched or compressed and how difficult such a compression or stretch is.

When the string on a bow is pulled back elastic potential energy is added to the bow. The farther the string is drawn back the greater the potential energy. In this item, Step 1 has less elastic potential energy than Step 2. Step 3 has no elastic potential energy because the string is no longer stretched.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

A box is dragged to the top of an incline, as shown in the diagram. Compared to the gravitational potential energy of the box at the bottom of the ramp, the gravitational potential energy of the box at the top of the incline

• is less

• is greater

• remains the same

• cannot be determined

Answer explanation

Gravitational potential energy depends on height. The height of the box at the top of the ramp is greater than its height at the bottom of the ramp.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy as the rider goes down the hill?

• Both increase

• Both decrease

• PE increases, KE decreases

• PE decreases, KE increases

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Which of the following best describes the energy transformation as the rider moves from the top to the bottom of the hill?

• Kinetic to potential

• Thermal to kinetic

• Potential to kinetic

• 
  Chemical to potential

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

What happens to potential energy (PE) as the bike rider coasts up the hill?

• PE increases

• PE stays the same

• PE decreases

• PE disappears

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2