Question

Kristina demonstrates a toy for her younger brother. The steps to operate the toy are listed below.

Step 1. Push the toy down.
Step 2. A spring compresses.
Step 3. Release the toy.
Step 4. The toy jumps into the air.

Which best describes Step 4?

Elastic potential energy changes to gravitational potential energy.
Gravitational potential energy changes to elastic potential energy.
Kristina does work to increase the gravitational potential energy.
Kristina does work to increase the elastic potential energy.

Answer 1

Elastic potential energy changes to gravitational potential energy.

When the spring releases, the stored elastic potential energy is converted (via kinetic energy as it moves) into gravitational potential energy as the toy rises.