Question

Micah is investigating the transformation between potential and kinetic energy within a system. He uses a swinging pendulum in his investigation. He records his observations of the pendulum at different positions and creates the table below.

KINETIC AND POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A PENDULUM


Position Kinetic Energy (Joules) Potential Energy (Joules)

1 0 50

2 25 25

3 50 0

4 25 25

5 0 50

Which statement BEST describes the energy transformation in Michah's investigation?




The total energy of the system is maintained as energy is transformed.


The total energy of the system increases as kinetic energy is created.


The total energy of the system decreases as potential energy is destroyed.


The total energy of the system changes as energy is added to it.

Answer 1

The total energy is maintained as energy is transformed because the law of Conservation of Energy states that energy is not created or destroyed, just transformed from one form to another