1. Roller coaster at the top of a hill: P
2. Moving car: K
3. Stretched rubber band: P
4. Raised weight: P
5. Spinning top: K
6. Compressed spring: P
7. Falling apple: K
8. Swinging pendulum: K
In order to classify the given energy forms as potential energy (P) or kinetic energy (K), we need to understand the definitions and characteristics of each type.
1. A roller coaster at the top of a hill: P
The roller coaster at the top of a hill has potential energy because it possesses the potential to do work as it moves downhill. This potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the roller coaster moves.
2. A moving car: K
A moving car possesses kinetic energy because it is in motion. The kinetic energy of the car depends on its mass and velocity. The faster the car moves, the greater its kinetic energy.
3. A stretched rubber band: P
When a rubber band is stretched, it stores potential energy. This potential energy is released when the rubber band is allowed to snap back to its original shape.
4. A raised weight: P
A weight that is raised above the ground has potential energy due to its position relative to the ground. This potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy when the weight is dropped.
5. A spinning top: K
A spinning top possesses kinetic energy because it is in motion. The faster the top spins, the greater its kinetic energy.
6. A compressed spring: P
When a spring is compressed, it stores potential energy. This potential energy is released when the spring is allowed to expand back to its original shape.
7. A falling apple: K
A falling apple possesses kinetic energy because it is in motion. The gravitational potential energy it had while on the tree is converted into kinetic energy as it falls.
8. A swinging pendulum: K
A swinging pendulum possesses kinetic energy because it is in motion. As the pendulum swings back and forth, it continuously alternates between potential energy (at the highest points of the swing) and kinetic energy (at the lowest point of the swing).