Question

question #5
a science class goes to an amusement park to investigate potential and kinetic energy. which action best demonstrates potential energy being transformed into kinetic energy?
a a fireworks rocket shoots upward into the night sky above the park
b a roller coaster slowly climbs the tall hill at the beginning of the ride
c a bungee jumper is released at the top of a tall tower and starts to fall
d a moving bumper car slams into another bumper car that is sitting still

Explanation:

To determine which action shows potential energy (PE) transforming into kinetic energy (KE), we analyze each option:

• Option A: A fireworks rocket shooting upward involves chemical energy to KE and then KE to PE (as it rises), not PE to KE.
• Option B: A roller coaster climbing a hill is converting other energy (like from the motor) to PE (increasing height), not PE to KE.
• Option C: A bungee jumper at the top of a tower has high PE (due to height). When released and starts falling, PE decreases as height decreases, and KE increases (speed increases), so PE is transformed into KE.
• Option D: A moving bumper car hitting a still one involves KE transfer (collision), not PE to KE.

Answer:

C. a bungee jumper is released at the top of a tall tower and starts to fall