Question

Use the chart to answer the question.

1st quadrant graph, KE and PE labels on bottom of x axis. Above PE, bar that reaches near top of graph.

You develop a model for an object on a spring that is dropped, then bounces back up in periodic motion. Your model includes only conservative forces. Which point of the object’s motion could the following bar graph model, where KE is kinetic energy and PE is potential energy?

(1 point)
Responses

halfway through the object’s descent
halfway through the object’s descent

shortly after the object starts falling
shortly after the object starts falling

when the object is at the lowest point
when the object is at the lowest point

shortly after the object starts moving up

Answer 1

when the object is at the lowest point

Reason: At the turning point the object's speed is zero so KE ≈ 0 and all the mechanical energy is stored as potential energy (PE) — matching the tall PE bar and tiny KE bar.