A student is investigating the transfer of potential energy into kinetic energy. The student uses a slingshot and a marble, as shown in the diagram.
The steps of the student's investigation are shown.
Step 1 Place the marble in the slingshot, pull back on the sling to a distance of 15 centimeters, release the sling, and record the distance the marble travels.
Step 2 Place the marble in the slingshot, pull back on the sling to a distance of 10 centimeters, release the sling, and record the distance the marble travels.
Step 3 Place the marble in the slingshot, pull back on the sling to a distance of 5 centimeters, release the sling, and record the distance the marble travels.
What will MOST LIKELY be the result of this investigation?
A.
The marble released from a distance of 5 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.
B.
The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.
C.
The marble released from a distance of 5 centimeters will have the least potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.
D.
The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the least potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.
B. The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest. This is because the further back the sling is pulled, the greater the potential energy stored in the system, which is then converted into kinetic energy when the sling is released.
The correct answer is B. The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest. This is because the greater the distance the slingshot is pulled back, the more potential energy is stored in the marble. When the sling is released, this potential energy is transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to move. Therefore, the marble released from a greater distance will have more potential energy to convert into kinetic energy, resulting in a greater distance traveled.
To answer this question, we need to understand the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position, while kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion.
In this investigation, the student is varying the distance the sling is pulled back, which affects the potential energy of the marble. The farther back the sling is pulled, the greater the potential energy stored in the marble. When the sling is released, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the marble to move.
Based on this understanding, we can make a prediction. Since potential energy is directly related to the distance the sling is pulled back, the marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy and will travel the farthest. Therefore, the answer is B. The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.