Conservation of Energy — Unit test

Question 5 • Crowley Credit Recovery Physics A

Which energy transformations occur in this case? Check all that apply.

Answer

All of the rocks’ potential energy is converted into kinetic energy because rocks do not experience wind resistance.

Some of the potential energy of the feather is converted into kinetic energy.

All of the feather’s potential energy is converted into thermal energy due to the friction of air resistance.

Some of the rocks’ potential energy is converted into thermal energy due to the friction of air resistance.

Some of the feather’s potential energy is converted into thermal energy due to the friction of air resistance.

Explanation

As an object falls, some of its gravitational potential energy becomes kinetic energy. Air resistance also does work against the motion, converting some potential energy into thermal energy. Both the feather and the rocks experience air resistance, so B, D, and E are correct; the claims that all potential energy becomes only kinetic or only thermal energy are not correct.

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