A student is investigating the transfer of potential energy into kinetic energy. The student uses a slingshot and a marble, as shown in the diagram.

Question

The steps of the student's investigation are shown.

Step 1	Place the marble in the slingshot, pull back on the sling to a distance of 15 centimeters, release the sling, and record the distance the marble travels.
Step 2	Place the marble in the slingshot, pull back on the sling to a distance of 10 centimeters, release the sling, and record the distance the marble travels.
Step 3	Place the marble in the slingshot, pull back on the sling to a distance of 5 centimeters, release the sling, and record the distance the marble travels.
What will MOST LIKELY be the result of this investigation?

A. 
The marble released from a distance of 5 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.

B. 
The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.

C. 
The marble released from a distance of 5 centimeters will have the least potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.

D. 
The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the least potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest.

GPT 3.5 · Answer

B. The marble released from a distance of 15 centimeters will have the most potential energy transferred into kinetic energy, causing the marble to travel the farthest. This is because the further back the sling is pulled, the greater the potential energy stored in the system, which is then converted into kinetic energy when the sling is released.