Which has more gravitational potential energy: a book on the top shelf or the same book on the bottom shelf?
AThe book on the bottom shelf
BThey have the same potential energy
CThe book on the top shelf
DNeither book has potential energy
The higher an object is, the more gravitational potential energy it has. The book on the top shelf can fall farther, so it has more stored energy.
Question 2 True / False
A stretched rubber band has potential energy.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: True
When you stretch a rubber band, you store energy in it. When you let go, that potential energy converts to kinetic energy as the rubber band snaps back.
Question 3 Short Answer
What happens to the potential energy of a ball when you drop it?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: The potential energy converts into kinetic energy as the ball falls.
As the ball drops, it loses height (potential energy decreases) and gains speed (kinetic energy increases). The stored energy transforms into motion energy.