Question

Question

How can a stationary metal sphere have kinetic energy, the energy of motion?(1 point)
Responses

The metal’s molecules are moving around.
The metal’s molecules are moving around.

The metal sphere can be rolled.
The metal sphere can be rolled.

The metal is made of atoms, which are vibrating in place.
The metal is made of atoms, which are vibrating in place.

The metal is made of atoms, which store potential energy.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The metal is made of atoms, which are vibrating in place.

While a stationary macroscopic object does not have kinetic energy in the sense of moving through space, the atoms and molecules within the metal sphere are indeed in constant motion, vibrating in place, which contributes to the sphere's thermal energy rather than mechanical kinetic energy.