This assessment checks your understanding of energy in systems: how energy is stored (kinetic and potential), how it transfers between objects, and how it is conserved during changes. You will also use models to gather evidence about transfers of thermal and sound energy.
A skateboarder starts at the top of a ramp and rolls to the bottom. At the bottom, the skateboarder is moving fastest.
Which statement best describes what happened to the energy in the system?
A student stretches a rubber band and then releases it to launch a small paper ball.
Which type of potential energy is stored in the stretched rubber band?
A battery-powered flashlight is turned on.
Which energy transformation happens most directly in the flashlight?
Which TWO statements are evidence that energy is conserved in a real system (even when it seems to "disappear")?
A student warms their hands by rubbing them together.
Which energy transfer best explains why the hands get warmer?
A student places a metal spoon in a cup of hot water. After a few minutes, the handle of the spoon feels warm.
Which model would best help the student gather evidence for what caused this change?
A student holds their hands near (but not touching) a campfire and feels warmth.
Which type of thermal energy transfer is mainly responsible?
A pot of water is heated on a stove. The water at the bottom warms first, rises, and cooler water sinks to take its place.
Which type of thermal energy transfer is this an example of?
Which TWO situations are examples of thermal energy transfer mainly by convection?
A pendulum swings back and forth. At the highest point of the swing, the pendulum slows down.
At the highest point, which energy form is greatest?
A student is identifying sources of energy in a system.
Which TWO items store potential energy?
A cup of hot water is left on a table in a cooler room. After 30 minutes, the water temperature is lower.
Which statement best explains the change?
A student measures the temperature of water in a beaker every minute while the beaker is heated on a hot plate.
What evidence from this model best supports that thermal energy is being transferred to the water?