P6 Science Prelims (Rosyth/2023/Booklet B/Q38): Forms and Sources of Energy
5 mark question
Science | P6, Prelims (Rosyth/2023/Booklet B/ Q38) | Forms and Sources of Energy
Check out this popular question type on energy. Let’s understand how energy gets converted from one type to the other as we answer this question together.
The Question (5 marks)
Some companies use a conveyor belt system to help transport large cartons between different levels in their factories.
The carton will slide from the slope at position A before landing on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt will then move to transport the carton to the next location in the factory.
(a) State the energy conversion that allows the conveyor belt to transport the cartons [2]
Let’s answer the question!
(a) Explanation: The conveyor belt operates on electricity. When it shifts the cartons, the electricity gets converted into Kinetic energy. Due to friction from the belt rubbing against the backing, heat energy and sound energy are also generated.
Therefore the correct answer should be:-
Ans: Electrical Energy -> Kinetic Energy + Heat Energy + Sound Energy
(b) The bar graph below shows the gravitational potential energy of the carton at position A. Draw a bar on the graph to show the amount of gravitational potential energy the carton has at position B. [1]
Let’s answer the question!
(b) Explanation: As the carton slid down the slope to position B, the gravitational potential energy would have been converted into Kinetic energy. Some examples that are similar would be a waterfall or a roller coaster. But, in the diagram, you can see that Position B is on the table (above the ground). Therefore, the carton will still contain some gravitational potential energy. The graph should indicate less potential energy than at A but not totally zero.
(c) Some small cartons may remain stationary at position B as there is no conveyor belt there. It will remain there until a larger size carton pushes it from behind. Explain in terms of energy conversion, how the larger size carton can push the smaller carton in front of it. [1]
Let’s answer the question!
(c) Explanation: This is about explaining the concept of energy transfer from the larger to the smaller carton. Initially, both cartons are at rest, meaning they have potential energy but no kinetic energy. In essence, the larger carton’s motion converts its kinetic energy into the kinetic energy of the smaller carton, enabling it to push the smaller carton forward.
Ans: The large carton’s potential energy was converted to kinetic energy as it slid down the slope. Upon coming into contact with the smaller carton at the base of the slope, some of this kinetic energy was transferred to the small carton, causing it to move forward.