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.
The results of their investigation are shown.
ruler :
1
2
3
4
Distance Band Is Pulled Back (centimeters) :
5
10
15
20
Distance Band Travels (centimeters)
61
122
213
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.
A.
The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
To determine the best answer, let's first understand the concepts of potential energy and kinetic energy.
Potential energy refers to the stored energy an object possesses due to its position or condition. In this case, the potential energy of the rubber band can be determined by how far it is pulled back.
Kinetic energy, on the other hand, refers to the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In this case, the kinetic energy of the rubber band can be determined by how far it travels.
Looking at the results of the investigation, we can see that as the distance the band is pulled back increases, the distance the band travels also increases. This indicates a relationship between the potential energy and the kinetic energy of the rubber band.
Based on this observation, we can conclude that the correct statement is:
A. The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.
In this case, as the students increase the potential energy of the rubber band by pulling it back further, more kinetic energy is transferred to the band, causing it to travel a greater distance.