Exploring Potential and Kinetic Energy

Susan Evans from susanevans.org presents a fun physics experiment for elementary students. The experiment involves dropping various objects into a bucket of water to observe potential and kinetic energy. By measuring the height of the splashes, students learn how mass and height affect potential energy. The video demonstrates the experiment with different objects, including a marshmallow, grape, nut, quarter, pine cone, banana, and a can of baked beans, highlighting the relationship between mass, potential energy, and splash height.

What materials are required for the experiment?

• A large bucket and a ruler

• A large bucket and assorted objects

• A ruler and a measuring tape

• A measuring tape and assorted objects

What type of energy is stored in an object due to its position?

• Potential energy

• Thermal energy

• Kinetic energy

• Electrical energy

Which object created the smallest splash in the experiment?

• Quarter

• Marshmallow

• Grape

• Nut

Why did the quarter create a larger splash than the nut?

• The quarter is denser

• The quarter is lighter

• The nut is heavier

• The nut is denser

Which object had a splash height greater than the ruler?

• Grape

• Banana

• Pine cone

• Nut

What was the surprising result of the pine cone's splash?

• It was smaller than expected

• It was larger than expected

• It did not create a splash

• It was the same as expected

Which object had the most potential energy in the experiment?

• Grape

• Nut

• Marshmallow

• Banana

What is the main factor that affects the splash height of an object?

• Color of the object

• Shape of the object

• Temperature of the water

• Mass of the object

What is the final object used in the experiment?

• Nut

• Banana

• Pine cone

• Can of baked beans

What is the purpose of the experiment conducted by Susan Evans?

• To test the durability of objects

• To calculate the speed of falling objects

• To measure the temperature of water

• To explore potential and kinetic energy