Potential & Kinetic Energy (KE & PE) - SC.6.P.11.1

(SC.6.P.11.1) The drawing below shows three different positions of a skier as she descends a snow-packed hill. Which statement about the skier is correct?

• The skier’s potential energy is higher at point B than at point C.
• The skier’s kinetic energy is higher at point A than at point B
• The skier’s kinetic energy is lower at point C than at point B.
• The skier’s potential energy is lower at point A than at point C

(SC.6.P.11.1) Federica loves both science and baseball. When her father took her to a Tampa Bay Rays’ game at Tropicana Field, she observed many examples of energy and energy transformation during the game. Which of these statements describes an example of kinetic energy that Frederica saw during the game?

• Frederica’s favorite player sitting in the dugout.
• Frederica’s favorite player running in the outfield to make a spectacular catch.
• Frederica’s favorite pitcher watching an outfielder catch a flyball.
• Frederica’s favorite player standing at home plate ready to hit.

(SC.6.P.11.1) The drawing shows the cars of a roller coaster racing down the track. How does the law of conservation of energy best explain the energy of the cars on the track?

• The kinetic energy of the cars is being transformed into potential energy.
• The cars have potential energy, but no kinetic energy.
• The potential energy of the cars is being transformed into kinetic energy.
• The cars have kinetic energy, but no potential energy.

(SC.6.P.11.1) The illustration shows the path that a ball rolls, from left to right. Which statement would correctly describe the energy of the ball as it travels along the path?

• The ball has the most kinetic energy at point C.
• The ball has the least potential energy at point A.
• The ball has the least kinetic energy at point D.
• The ball has the most potential energy at point D.

(SC.6.P.11.1) Energy can occur in many forms. Which of the following statements about kinetic energy is correct?

• Kinetic energy can be used to do work.
• Kinetic energy depends upon the position and size of an object.
• Kinetic energy is stored within an object.
• Kinetic energy cannot be transformed into another form of energy.

(SC.6.P.11.1) Energy can be transformed from one type to another. In which of the following situations is kinetic energy transformed into potential energy?

• when a boulder rolls down a mountain
• when a tree branch falls toward the ground
• when a water tank ruptures and water flows out
• when a ball is thrown straight up into the air

(SC.6.P.11.1) Energy can occur in many forms. Which of the following terms best describes kinetic energy?

• motion
• volume
• height
• length

(SC.6.P.11.1) Look closely at the illustration. According to the law of conservation of energy, what happened to the energy of the ball in the illustration?

• The amount of total energy in the ball increased.
• Both the potential energy and the kinetic energy remained unchanged.
• Potential energy was transformed into kinetic energy.
• The amount of total energy in the ball decreased.

(SC.6.P.11.1) Mechanical energy is defined as the sum of both the potential energy and the kinetic energy of an object. According to the law of conservation of energy, what happens to mechanical energy if the potential energy of an object decreases?

• Mechanical energy remains unchanged.
• There is no mechanical energy.
• Mechanical energy decreases.
• Mechanical energy increases.

(SC.6.P.11.1) The drawing shows a hydroelectric power plant near a dam. When a gate is opened, the river water flows into the power plant through a large pipe that runs through the dam. Which transformation of energy in a hydroelectric power plant is used to generate electric energy?

• kinetic energy to potential energy as the water level lowers behind the dam
• potential energy to kinetic energy as the water level rises behind the dam
• potential energy to kinetic energy as the water flows into the plant
• kinetic energy to potential energy as the water flows into the plant