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 investigation is:

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

This is because pulling the rubber band back stores potential energy in the band, which is converted to kinetic energy when the band is released. As the distance the band is pulled back increases, the potential energy increases, leading to a greater distance traveled by the band. The provided data supports this conclusion, showing an increase in distance traveled as the band is pulled back further.