Question 17 (1 point)
The picture shows the pinwheel that Stephen has in his backyard.
Sometimes Stephen will see his pinwheel spinning, but other times it does not spin. Which statement best explains what makes his pinwheel spin?
a
The colors on the wheel repel one another, causing it to turn.
b
Energy from the ground shakes the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.
c
Energy from the wind pushes on the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.
d
The Sun heats up the pinwheel, causing it to turn.
c
Energy from the wind pushes on the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.
The statement that best explains what makes Stephen's pinwheel spin is option c: Energy from the wind pushes on the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.
To determine which statement best explains what makes Stephen's pinwheel spin, let's analyze each option.
Option a: The colors on the wheel repel one another, causing it to turn.
This option does not provide a plausible explanation for the pinwheel's motion. The colors on the wheel do not possess the ability to repel one another and generate enough force to make the pinwheel spin.
Option b: Energy from the ground shakes the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.
This option also does not provide a logical explanation. Energy from the ground would not be a significant enough force to make the pinwheel spin.
Option c: Energy from the wind pushes on the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.
This option seems the most reasonable. Pinwheels are often designed to be sensitive to the movement of air or wind. When the wind blows against the wheel, it creates a force that pushes on it, causing it to rotate.
Option d: The Sun heats up the pinwheel, causing it to turn.
This option is also unlikely. While the sun can certainly heat up the pinwheel, the resulting expansion would not generate enough force to make it spin.
Therefore, the best statement that explains what makes Stephen's pinwheel spin is option c: Energy from the wind pushes on the wheel and makes the pinwheel move.