Students are investigating energy transfer in the laboratory. The students use rubber bands and rulers for their investigation. They attach a rubber band to each ruler, pull the band back, and allow the band to launch from the ruler. The diagram shows their set up.

Question

The results of their investigation are shown.

Ruler Distance Band Is Pulled Back
(centimeters) Distance Band Travels (centimeters)
1 5 61
2 10 122
3 15 213
4 20 366

Which statement best describes the results of their investigation?
A.
The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.

B.
The less potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.

C.
The more kinetic energy the band has, the more potential energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.

D.
The less kinetic energy the band has, the more potential energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.

Answer 1

The correct statement that best describes the results of the students' investigation is:

A. The more potential energy the band has, the more kinetic energy is transferred, and the farther the band travels.

This statement aligns with the observed data that as the distance the rubber band is pulled back (and thus the potential energy stored in the band) increases, the distance the band travels also increases, indicating a transfer of kinetic energy.