Which of the following is the best example of kinetic energy? 1. A tank of gasoline 2. A nuclear bomb 3. A strawberry shortcake 4. A TV 5. A tornado 6. A Jolt cola 7. Boulder dam 8. A loaded gun 9. None of the examples 10. A calculator battery
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 5. A tornado
Explanation (≈300 words):
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the square of its velocity, as described by the formula: KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2
Among the options given, a tornado is the best example of kinetic energy because it involves large masses of air moving at high speeds. Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground, and their destructive force comes from the enormous kinetic energy of the moving air.
Let’s examine why the other choices do not best represent kinetic energy:
- A tank of gasoline – This is chemical potential energy stored in the fuel.
- A nuclear bomb – This represents potential nuclear energy before detonation.
- A strawberry shortcake – This contains chemical potential energy from nutrients.
- A TV – It uses electrical energy but isn’t in motion itself.
- A Jolt cola – Like the shortcake, it contains chemical energy, not kinetic.
- Boulder dam (Hoover Dam) – This stores gravitational potential energy in water.
- A loaded gun – This stores potential energy in the compressed spring and chemical energy in the bullet.
- None of the examples – Incorrect, because a tornado is an example.
- A calculator battery – This contains stored electrical energy (potential), not kinetic.
In contrast, a tornado clearly demonstrates kinetic energy through visible, large-scale motion. The swirling winds can reach speeds over 300 mph, moving dust, debris, and air masses with immense force, thereby embodying kinetic energy in one of its most destructive forms. Hence, option 5 is the best and most accurate choice
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