Energy and Energy Transformations Practice

Students conducted an experiment by rolling steel balls of different masses down a ramp and recorded how far each ball traveled. Based on the data in the table, which statement best explains why the heavier balls rolled farther than the lighter balls?

• A. The heavier balls had more kinetic energy.

• B. The heavier balls experienced less friction.

• C. The heavier balls had a lower velocity.

• D. The heavier balls accelerated less.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

A demolition crew wants the wrecking ball to hit a wall with maximum kinetic energy. Which of the following changes would result in the wrecking ball having more kinetic energy just before impact?

• Increase the speed of the wrecking ball

• Decrease the mass of the wrecking ball

• Lower the height from which the wrecking ball is released

• None of these answer choices would increase kinetic energy

Answer explanation

Increasing the speed of the wrecking ball directly increases its kinetic energy, as kinetic energy is given by the formula KE = 1/2 mv². Therefore, the correct choice is to increase the speed of the wrecking ball.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

A student drops different objects and records the mass and velocity they achieve. Look at the data to the left.

Which graph accurately shows how the kinetic energy changes among the different objects?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Lesha lifts a ball to three different heights and measures its potential energy each time. The table below shows her measurements.

Height (meters) Potential Energy (joules)

1.0 48

1.5 72

2.0 96

Based on this data, what can Lesha predict about the potential energy of the ball if she lifts it to 2.5 meters?

• The potential energy will decrease as the height increases.

• The potential energy will increase as the height increases.

• The potential energy will stay the same at any height.

• The potential energy will be highest at the lowest height.

Answer explanation

Lesha's data shows that as the height increases from 1.0m to 2.0m, the potential energy also increases from 48J to 96J. This indicates a direct relationship, so at 2.5m, the potential energy will likely continue to increase.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

While explaining energy changes, a teacher illustrates the movement of a child on a seesaw going up and down.

Which energy transformation is the teacher illustrating?

• thermal to kinetic

• potential to kinetic

• chemical to potential

• electrical to mechanical

Answer explanation

The teacher illustrates the transformation of potential energy to kinetic energy as the child moves up and down on the seesaw. When the child is at the highest point, they have maximum potential energy, which converts to kinetic energy as they descend.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Which graph illustrates the bicyclist at the bottom of the hill?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

A pendulum is released from point A and swings towards point C. Which of the following statements is correct about the energy changes as it moves from point A to point B?

• The potential energy increases from point A to point B.

• The kinetic energy at point B is greater than the kinetic energy at point A.

• The kinetic energy decreases from point A to point B and the potential energy remains the same.

• The potential energy decreases from point A to point B and the kinetic energy remains the same.

Answer explanation

As the pendulum moves from point A to point B, it descends, converting potential energy into kinetic energy. Therefore, the kinetic energy at point B is greater than at point A, confirming the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

The diagram shows a girl throwing a ball upward. As the ball moves from her hand at Point 1 to Point 3 which energy conversion is occurring?

• kinetic to potential

• thermal to kinetic

• potential to kinetic

• kinetic to thermal

Answer explanation

As the girl throws the ball upward, it gains height. During this ascent, kinetic energy (due to its motion) is converted into potential energy (due to its position). Thus, the correct energy conversion is kinetic to potential.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Jennifer uses many forms of energy to get ready for school in the morning. Which table BEST matches each form of energy to Jennifer's actions?

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David is sorting objects into two groups for a science project. Group A includes a propane tank, matches, and a gas pump. Group B includes a sewing machine, a light bulb, and a mixer. What is the main difference in the source of energy for the objects in Group A compared to those in Group B?

• Group A objects rely on stored chemical energy, while Group B objects rely on electrical energy.

• Group A objects use solar energy, while Group B objects use mechanical energy.

• Group A objects use electrical energy, while Group B objects use chemical energy.

• Group A objects use nuclear energy, while Group B objects use light energy.

Answer explanation

Group A objects, like the propane tank and matches, rely on stored chemical energy for combustion. In contrast, Group B objects, such as the sewing machine and light bulb, operate using electrical energy from a power source.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5