Question

which of the following statements best supports the data? *
increasing the speed of an object increases that objects potential energy, which can move the box further.
increasing the speed of an object increases that objects kinetic energy, which can move the box further.
the more kinetic energy an object has the more work it can do
none of these statements support the data.

Explanation:

• Potential energy is related to height and mass (\(PE = mgh\)), not speed. So the first option is wrong.
• Kinetic energy is given by \(KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}\), where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is speed. Increasing speed (\(v\)) increases kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and more kinetic energy means more ability to do work (like moving a box). The second option correctly relates speed to kinetic energy and work.
• The third option is a correct general statement about kinetic energy and work, but it does not specifically mention the relationship with speed (which is likely a key variable in the data, as the first two options focus on speed).

Answer:

B. Increasing the speed of an object increases that object’s kinetic energy, which can move the box further.