Potential and Kinetic Energy

Organize these pictures into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Potential Energy

,

(b) Kinetic Energy

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Label where the potential energy and the kinetic energy will be the highest.

a

b

Highest potential energy

Highest kinetic energy

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NGSS.MS-PS3-1

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As a car's mass increases, the kinetic energy (a)   and potential energy (b)   .

• increases

• decreases

• stays the same, decreases

• decreases, stays the same

Answer explanation

As a car's mass increases, both kinetic energy and potential energy increase. Kinetic energy depends on mass and velocity, while potential energy is related to mass and height. Therefore, both energies increase with mass.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

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Which 2 letters have the most kinetic energy

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NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Which point has the most potential energy?

• G

• f

• b

• a

Answer explanation

Point a has the most potential energy because it is at the highest position compared to the other points. Potential energy increases with height, making a the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Where would this baseball have the greatest amount of kinetic energy?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Answer explanation

The baseball has the greatest amount of kinetic energy at point Z because it is at the lowest position, where gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, resulting in maximum speed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Where would this baseball be gaining potential energy and losing kinetic energy?

• W

• X

• Y

• Z

Answer explanation

The baseball is gaining potential energy and losing kinetic energy at point W, as it is likely moving upward against gravity, which increases its height and potential energy while decreasing its speed.

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NGSS.MS-PS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

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As the car moves from point A , to point B, and finally to point C, the TOTAL energy of the car

• decreases from point A to point B, then increases from point B to point C

• increases from point A to point B, then decreases from point B to point C

• stays the same, but is converted between potential and kinetic energy

Answer explanation

The total energy of the car remains constant as it moves from A to B to C. Energy is transformed between potential and kinetic forms, but the overall energy does not change.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Where does the roller coaster have the most potential energy?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Answer explanation

The roller coaster has the most potential energy at point A, which is typically the highest point on the track. At this height, gravitational potential energy is maximized, allowing for greater kinetic energy as it descends.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

A pendulum is hanging from a fixed point called a fulcrum. When the pendulum is raised to the start position and released, it swings. The pendulum is shown in four numbered positions after it is released.

Select the position at which the pendulum has the greatest amount of kinetic energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5