Energy Exploration Experiments

Name:

Date:

📚 Part 1: Multiple Choice

1. A roller coaster car paused at the top of a hill has mostly ______ energy. When it speeds down the hill, that energy becomes mostly ______ energy.

potential → kinetic

kinetic → thermal

chemical → light

thermal → potential

2. In the inclined plane experiment, which action increases an object's gravitational potential energy the most?

Moving the object higher (raising height)

Pushing the object along the plane without changing height

Letting the object sit at the bottom

Increasing the object's color contrast

3. Which tool is best for measuring thermal energy change during the heating activity?

Thermometer or temperature sensor

Stopwatch

Balance (scale)

Ruler

4. Check all observations that could show a chemical reaction converting chemical energy into light or heat:

A visible flash or glow appears

Temperature of the solution rises

The object changes position without outside force

Bubbles form and indicator color changes

✏️ Part 2: Short Answers & Activities

5. In 1–2 sentences, explain how potential energy turns into kinetic energy in your group's simple machine (lever or inclined plane):

6. List two specific measurements your group should record during the thermal energy experiment and explain why each matter (one sentence each):

7. Describe one clear piece of evidence you would share in your group presentation that shows chemical energy changed into light or thermal energy during the vinegar + baking soda trial:

8. Write a one-sentence summary your group could use at the start of its presentation that states the experiment, the main energy types involved, and the transformation observed:

9. Match each energy type (left) with the best example (right). Draw lines to connect columns.

A. Kinetic energy

B. Potential energy

C. Thermal energy

D. Chemical energy

1. A stretched rubber band released

2. A hot cup of cocoa

3. A book resting on a high shelf

4. Food being digested for fuel

10. Draw a simple lever or inclined plane your group used. Label where the potential energy is greatest and where kinetic energy appears during motion.