Directions: A student investigates the relationship between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy by sliding a smooth ice cube along the inside of a large punch bowl. The diagram below shows five positions of the cube in the bowl. Use this diagram to answer any questions that follow.
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Multiple Choice Question
At which position is the kinetic energy of the ice cube the greatest?
A.
II
B.
III
C.
IV
D.
V
B. III
Explanation: The kinetic energy of an object is at its greatest when it is moving the fastest. In this case, position III shows the ice cube at its lowest point in the bowl where it would have the greatest velocity and therefore the greatest kinetic energy.