Multiple Choice Question

Question

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.

Answer 1

The most likely result of the student's 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.

This is because the potential energy stored in the slingshot when pulling it back is directly related to the distance it is pulled back. The farther the sling is pulled back, the more potential energy is stored, which will then be converted into kinetic energy when the marble is released. Therefore, the marble released from the greatest distance (15 centimeters) will likely travel the farthest due to having the most potential energy converted to kinetic energy.