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As shown below, a student places a 500-gram car at point X on a wooden racetrack in an energy transformation investigation.What outcome is most likely if the student uses a 700-gram car instead?

(1 point)
Responses

A 700-gram car would have less potential energy at point X and less kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have less potential energy at point X and less kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack

A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack

A 700-gram car would have less kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack
A 700-gram car would have less kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack

A 700-gram car would have more kinetic energy at point X and less potential energy at the bottom of the racetrack

1 answer

To determine the most likely outcome when using a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car, we need to consider the concepts of potential energy and kinetic energy.

  1. Potential Energy (PE) is given by the formula:
    \[ PE = mgh \]
    where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height. Since the car's mass is increased (from 500 grams to 700 grams), assuming it is at the same height (point X) on the racetrack, the potential energy will increase because mass \( m \) is greater.

  2. Kinetic Energy (KE) is given by the formula:
    \[ KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \]
    Assuming the cars start from rest and are released from the same height, as they descend, the increase in potential energy will convert into kinetic energy. The 700-gram car will have more potential energy at the top, which will convert into more kinetic energy at the bottom when it reaches that point.

Therefore, the correct response would be:

A 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X and more kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack.