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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 correct answer 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.

Here's the rationale:

The potential energy stored in the slingshot is related to how far the sling is pulled back. The farther the sling is pulled (in this case, 15 centimeters compared to 10 and 5 centimeters), the more potential energy is stored. Upon release, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, propelling the marble forward. Therefore, the marble released from the greatest distance (15 centimeters) will most likely travel the farthest.