Multiple Choice Question
Students are investigating energy transfer in the laboratory. The students use rubber bands and rulers for their investigation. They attach a rubber band to each ruler, pull the band back, and allow the band to launch from the ruler. The diagram shows their set up.
The results of their investigation are shown.
Ruler Distance Band Is Pulled Back
(centimeters) Distance Band Travels (centimeters)
1 5 61
2 10 122
3 15 213
4 20 366
Which statement best describes the results of their investigation?
A.
The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
B.
The less potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
C.
The more kinetic energy the band has, the more potential energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
D.
The less kinetic energy the band has, the more potential energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
A. The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
The correct answer is A. The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
To answer this question, we need to analyze the given data on the distance the rubber band travels based on the distance it is pulled back. We observe that as the students pull the band back further (increasing the potential energy), the band travels a greater distance (increasing the kinetic energy).
So, the correct answer would be A. The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels. This option best describes the relationship between potential energy, kinetic energy, and the distance traveled by the rubber band.
By analyzing the data and understanding the concepts of potential and kinetic energy, we can determine the correct answer to this multiple-choice question.