Q. 3.24 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

 Indicate whether each of the following statements describes potential or kinetic energy:

a. the energy in your food

b. a tightly wound spring

c. a car specking down the freeway

d. an earthquake

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. the energy in your food - Potential energy

b. a tightly wound spring - Potential energy 

c. a car specking down the freeway - Kinetic Energy

d. an earthquake - Kinetic Energy 

Step 1: Given information (a)

Potential or Kinetic energy of the energy in your food.

Step 2: Explanation (a)

(a) The energy in food is P.E. 

Step 3: Given Information (b)

Potential or Kinetic energy of a tightly wound spring.

Step 4: Explanation (b)

(b) A tightly wound spring describes P.E. 

Step 5: Given Information (c)

Potential or Kinetic energy of a car specking down the freeway.

Step 6: Explanation (c)

(c) An earthquake describes K.E.

Step 7: Given Information (d)

Potential or Kinetic energy of an earthquake.

Step 8: Explanation (d)

(d) A car speeding down the freeway describes K.E.