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

1 answer

To determine at which position the kinetic energy of the ice cube is the greatest, we need to consider the principles of gravitational potential energy (GPE) and kinetic energy (KE).

As the ice cube slides down the bowl, it converts gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy. The higher the position of the ice cube in the bowl, the greater its potential energy, and as it descends, that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Based on the typical configuration of a punch bowl, the ice cube will have the most kinetic energy at the lowest point in the bowl, where it has lost the most potential energy.

Assuming position V is the lowest point in the bowl, the correct answer would be:

D. V

At position V, the kinetic energy of the ice cube is the greatest.