Ms. Smith is teaching a lesson about energy. She has her students evaluate her activities as she teaches the lesson.

Question

Which of Ms. Smith's activities show energy transfer?

(4 points)
This DOES show an energy transfer to an object. This does NOT show an energy transfer to an object.
Ms. Smith pushes her markers out of the way so she can put her papers on the table.

Ms. Smith picks up a book, drops it, and allows it to hit the floor.

Ms. Smith waits patiently while her students settle into their seats.

Ms. Smith throws a piece of trash into the trash can.

Answer 1

Here’s an evaluation of each of Ms. Smith's activities in terms of energy transfer:

1. Ms. Smith pushes her markers out of the way so she can put her papers on the table.

   • This DOES show an energy transfer to an object. (Energy is transferred to the markers as she pushes them.)

2. Ms. Smith picks up a book, drops it, and allows it to hit the floor.

   • This DOES show an energy transfer to an object. (The gravitational potential energy of the book is converted to kinetic energy, which transfers energy to the floor upon impact.)

3. Ms. Smith waits patiently while her students settle into their seats.

   • This does NOT show an energy transfer to an object. (There is no action taken that would result in energy being transferred to an object.)

4. Ms. Smith throws a piece of trash into the trash can.

   • This DOES show an energy transfer to an object. (Energy is transferred to the piece of trash when she throws it, causing it to move into the trash can.)

In summary:

• Shows energy transfer: 1, 2, and 4
• Does NOT show energy transfer: 3