Model Potential Energy - Middle School Physical Science
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In an energy bar model, what should happen to the $U_g$ bar as height $h$ increases?
In an energy bar model, what should happen to the $U_g$ bar as height $h$ increases?
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The $U_g$ bar should increase. Bar height represents amount of stored energy.
The $U_g$ bar should increase. Bar height represents amount of stored energy.
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Which arrangement has greater $U_g$: a book on a shelf or the same book on the floor?
Which arrangement has greater $U_g$: a book on a shelf or the same book on the floor?
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The book on the shelf. Higher position means greater gravitational potential energy.
The book on the shelf. Higher position means greater gravitational potential energy.
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What is the key feature of a model that shows stored potential energy changes in a system?
What is the key feature of a model that shows stored potential energy changes in a system?
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It tracks energy storage changes as position or arrangement changes. Shows how stored energy varies with configuration.
It tracks energy storage changes as position or arrangement changes. Shows how stored energy varies with configuration.
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Which arrangement decreases electric potential energy: moving opposite charges closer or farther apart?
Which arrangement decreases electric potential energy: moving opposite charges closer or farther apart?
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Moving opposite charges closer together. Opposite charges attract, releasing energy when approaching.
Moving opposite charges closer together. Opposite charges attract, releasing energy when approaching.
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In an energy bar model for a released spring, what should happen to the $U_s$ bar after release?
In an energy bar model for a released spring, what should happen to the $U_s$ bar after release?
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The $U_s$ bar should decrease. Released springs convert elastic to kinetic energy.
The $U_s$ bar should decrease. Released springs convert elastic to kinetic energy.
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Identify the correct unit for potential energy in the SI system.
Identify the correct unit for potential energy in the SI system.
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Joule (J). Energy is measured in joules in SI units.
Joule (J). Energy is measured in joules in SI units.
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What is the definition of elastic potential energy in a spring-like object?
What is the definition of elastic potential energy in a spring-like object?
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Energy stored due to stretching or compressing an elastic object. Deformed elastic materials store recoverable energy.
Energy stored due to stretching or compressing an elastic object. Deformed elastic materials store recoverable energy.
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Which arrangement stores more $U_s$: a relaxed spring or the same spring compressed by $x$?
Which arrangement stores more $U_s$: a relaxed spring or the same spring compressed by $x$?
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The spring compressed by $x$. Deformed springs store energy; relaxed springs store none.
The spring compressed by $x$. Deformed springs store energy; relaxed springs store none.
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Identify the energy transfer when an object falls: $U_g$ decreases and what energy usually increases?
Identify the energy transfer when an object falls: $U_g$ decreases and what energy usually increases?
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Kinetic energy increases. Falling converts gravitational potential to motion energy.
Kinetic energy increases. Falling converts gravitational potential to motion energy.
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State the formula for elastic potential energy in an ideal spring using $k$ and $x$.
State the formula for elastic potential energy in an ideal spring using $k$ and $x$.
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$U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$. Energy equals half the spring constant times displacement squared.
$U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$. Energy equals half the spring constant times displacement squared.
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If stretch increases from $x$ to $2x$, by what factor does $U_s$ change?
If stretch increases from $x$ to $2x$, by what factor does $U_s$ change?
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It increases by a factor of $4$. Energy depends on $x^2$, so doubling $x$ quadruples energy.
It increases by a factor of $4$. Energy depends on $x^2$, so doubling $x$ quadruples energy.
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If a spring’s $k$ doubles while $x$ stays the same, how does $U_s$ change?
If a spring’s $k$ doubles while $x$ stays the same, how does $U_s$ change?
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It doubles. Energy is directly proportional to spring constant $k$.
It doubles. Energy is directly proportional to spring constant $k$.
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What does the variable $k$ represent in the equation $U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$?
What does the variable $k$ represent in the equation $U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$?
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Spring constant (stiffness). Measures force per unit displacement in N/m.
Spring constant (stiffness). Measures force per unit displacement in N/m.
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What does the variable $x$ represent in the equation $U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$?
What does the variable $x$ represent in the equation $U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$?
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Displacement from equilibrium length (stretch or compression). Measured from the spring's natural, unstretched position.
Displacement from equilibrium length (stretch or compression). Measured from the spring's natural, unstretched position.
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Which situation stores more elastic potential energy: $x = 0.10,\text{m}$ or $x = 0.20,\text{m}$ (same $k$)?
Which situation stores more elastic potential energy: $x = 0.10,\text{m}$ or $x = 0.20,\text{m}$ (same $k$)?
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$x = 0.20,\text{m}$. Larger displacement stores more energy since $U_s \propto x^2$.
$x = 0.20,\text{m}$. Larger displacement stores more energy since $U_s \propto x^2$.
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What is the correct model statement for a system: potential energy can change when ______ changes?
What is the correct model statement for a system: potential energy can change when ______ changes?
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Position or arrangement of objects in the system. PE changes when objects move or rearrange in space.
Position or arrangement of objects in the system. PE changes when objects move or rearrange in space.
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What is gravitational potential energy in terms of mass, gravity, and height?
What is gravitational potential energy in terms of mass, gravity, and height?
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$U_g = mgh$. Formula shows PE depends on mass, gravity, and height above reference.
$U_g = mgh$. Formula shows PE depends on mass, gravity, and height above reference.
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What is elastic potential energy stored in a spring in terms of $k$ and stretch $x$?
What is elastic potential energy stored in a spring in terms of $k$ and stretch $x$?
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$U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$. PE is proportional to spring constant and square of displacement.
$U_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$. PE is proportional to spring constant and square of displacement.
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What happens to gravitational potential energy when height increases (mass constant)?
What happens to gravitational potential energy when height increases (mass constant)?
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It increases. PE is directly proportional to height in the formula $U_g = mgh$.
It increases. PE is directly proportional to height in the formula $U_g = mgh$.
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What happens to gravitational potential energy when mass increases (height constant)?
What happens to gravitational potential energy when mass increases (height constant)?
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It increases. PE is directly proportional to mass in the formula $U_g = mgh$.
It increases. PE is directly proportional to mass in the formula $U_g = mgh$.
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Which position has more gravitational potential energy: 2 kg at 3 m or 2 kg at 1 m?
Which position has more gravitational potential energy: 2 kg at 3 m or 2 kg at 1 m?
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2 kg at 3 m. Higher position (3 m vs 1 m) gives more PE when mass is same.
2 kg at 3 m. Higher position (3 m vs 1 m) gives more PE when mass is same.
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Which position has more gravitational potential energy: 4 kg at 2 m or 2 kg at 4 m?
Which position has more gravitational potential energy: 4 kg at 2 m or 2 kg at 4 m?
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They are equal. Both have $U_g = 8mg$ (4×2 = 2×4), so PE is the same.
They are equal. Both have $U_g = 8mg$ (4×2 = 2×4), so PE is the same.
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Identify the correct comparison: if height doubles, what happens to $U_g$ (same $m$ and $g$)?
Identify the correct comparison: if height doubles, what happens to $U_g$ (same $m$ and $g$)?
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$U_g$ doubles. PE is proportional to height, so doubling $h$ doubles $U_g$.
$U_g$ doubles. PE is proportional to height, so doubling $h$ doubles $U_g$.
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Identify the correct comparison: if mass triples, what happens to $U_g$ (same $h$ and $g$)?
Identify the correct comparison: if mass triples, what happens to $U_g$ (same $h$ and $g$)?
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$U_g$ triples. PE is proportional to mass, so tripling $m$ triples $U_g$.
$U_g$ triples. PE is proportional to mass, so tripling $m$ triples $U_g$.
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Which has more elastic potential energy: a spring stretched to $x$ or to $2x$ (same $k$)?
Which has more elastic potential energy: a spring stretched to $x$ or to $2x$ (same $k$)?
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Stretching to $2x$ (it is $4$ times as much). PE depends on $x^2$, so doubling stretch quadruples energy.
Stretching to $2x$ (it is $4$ times as much). PE depends on $x^2$, so doubling stretch quadruples energy.
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