As shown below, a student places a 500-gram car at point X on a wooden racetrack in an energy transformation investigation.
What outcome is most likely if the student uses a 700-gram car instead?
(1 point)
Responses
A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have more kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have more kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have less kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have less kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have less potential energy at point X and less kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack
The outcome most likely if the student uses a 700-gram car instead is:
A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack.
To determine the most likely outcome if the student uses a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car, we need to understand the relationship between mass, potential energy, and kinetic energy.
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. It is proportional to both mass and height. The formula for potential energy is:
Potential Energy = Mass × Gravity × Height
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is proportional to both mass and velocity. The formula for kinetic energy is:
Kinetic Energy = 0.5 × Mass × Velocity^2
Now, let's consider the scenario. Since the only change is in the mass of the car, we can focus on that parameter.
If the mass of the car increases from 500 grams to 700 grams while positioned at point X, the potential energy will also increase. This is because potential energy is directly proportional to mass. Therefore, the 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X compared to the 500-gram car.
At the bottom of the racetrack, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the car gains speed. Since the potential energy is higher for the 700-gram car, it will result in more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack. This is because kinetic energy is directly proportional to the potential energy.
Hence, the correct response would be:
- A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack.