Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 33%

Which type of energy conversion occurs when a boulder rolls downhill?

Rationale

Gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

As a boulder rolls downhill, it loses gravitational potential energy due to its decrease in height, which is converted into kinetic energy as its speed increases. This energy transformation illustrates the principle of conservation of energy in gravitational fields.

A (Gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.) CORRECT

This choice correctly describes the energy transformation occurring when a boulder rolls downhill. The gravitational potential energy, which is highest at the top of a hill, is converted into kinetic energy as the boulder accelerates downwards, demonstrating the relationship between potential and kinetic energy in gravitational systems.

B (Chemical potential energy is converted into gravitational potential energy.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is incorrect because chemical potential energy pertains to the energy stored in chemical bonds, which is not relevant in the context of a boulder rolling downhill. The boulder’s energy transformation is governed by gravitational forces, not by chemical processes.

C (Kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy.) YOUR ANSWER

This option is incorrect because it suggests that the boulder is converting its kinetic energy into gravitational potential energy while rolling downhill. Instead, as it moves down, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy, which is the opposite of what this choice implies.

D (Elastic potential energy is converted into thermal energy.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is also incorrect because elastic potential energy is related to objects that can be stretched or compressed, such as springs. A boulder rolling downhill does not involve elastic potential energy, and therefore, this conversion is not applicable in this scenario.

Conclusion

The energy conversion that occurs when a boulder rolls downhill is a prime example of gravitational potential energy being transformed into kinetic energy. This process exemplifies fundamental principles of physics, particularly the conservation of energy, and illustrates how potential energy diminishes as an object descends, while its kinetic energy correspondingly increases.

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