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

1 answer

To understand the outcome when using a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car, we need to consider the concepts of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE).

  1. Potential Energy (PE): The potential energy at a height (point X) is given by the formula \( PE = mgh \), where \( m \) is the mass (in kg), \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and \( h \) is the height (in meters) at which the car is placed. Since the 700-gram car is heavier than the 500-gram car, it will have more potential energy at the same height, barring any changes in height.

  2. Kinetic Energy (KE): The kinetic energy at the bottom of the racetrack can be calculated by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \). As the car rolls down the track, the potential energy converts into kinetic energy. Therefore, if potential energy is greater (which it will be for the 700-gram car), the kinetic energy at the bottom will also be greater (assuming no energy losses).

Based on this information:

  • Potential Energy: The 700-gram car would have more potential energy at point X compared to the 500-gram car.
  • Kinetic Energy: As it rolls down, it would also have more kinetic energy at the bottom compared to the 500-gram car.

Thus, the most likely outcome from using a 700-gram car instead of a 500-gram car is:

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