A student wants to design an experiment to study the transformation of mechanical energy. Which object can be used to investigate how gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy?(1 point) Responses a slide a slide a spring a spring a rug a rug a flat race car track
A slide
The correct object that can be used to investigate how gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy is a slide.
The object that can be used to investigate how gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy is a slide.
To understand why a slide is a suitable object for this investigation, let's break down the concept. Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position above the ground. When an object is raised to a higher position, it gains gravitational potential energy. On the other hand, kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object in motion.
In the case of a slide, a student can explore the transformation of mechanical energy by observing how an object (such as a toy car or a ball) gains kinetic energy as it slides down the inclined surface. As the object moves higher on the slide, it increases its gravitational potential energy. When it is released and starts sliding down, that potential energy gets converted into kinetic energy, causing the object to gain speed.
By conducting experiments and measuring factors such as the height from which the object is released, the distance covered, and the speed at the end of the slide, the student can investigate and quantify the conversion of gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy.