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. 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.

1 answer

The most likely result of this investigation is:

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.

As the student pulls back the slingshot further, they are increasing the potential energy stored in the slingshot. When the slingshot is released, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which propels the marble. Therefore, the further the slingshot is pulled back, the more potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in the marble traveling the farthest when released from a distance of 15 centimeters.