ASPECt
Energy: Forms, Transformation, Transfer, and Conservation
Item RG047003: If a weightlifter drops a weight on their toes, it will hurt more if it is dropped from 6 feet than if it is dropped from 3 feet because the higher an object is the more energy it has.
A weightlifter is practicing in a gym. He bends down to pick up a weight and then lifts it over his head.
If the weight slips out of the weightlifter’s hands and falls on his toes, will it hurt his toes more if the weight is dropped from 3 feet above the ground or 6 feet above the ground? Why?
- The weight will hurt his toes more if it is dropped from 3 feet because it uses up less energy as it falls.
- The weight will hurt his toes more if it is dropped from 3 feet because it falls for a shorter amount of time.
- The weight will hurt his toes more if it is dropped from 6 feet because the higher an object is the more energy it has.
- The weight will hurt his toes the same if it is dropped from 3 feet or 6 feet because it weighs the same amount each time.
- Distribution of Responses
- Scale Score for Item Difficulty
(200[Easy]-800[Difficult]) - 445
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1254 | 1813 | 69% |
| Grades | |||
| 4–5 | 461 | 681 | 68% |
| 6–8 | 444 | 673 | 66% |
| 9–12 | 349 | 459 | 76% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 673 | 919 | 73% |
| Female | 563 | 867 | 65% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1110 | 1583 | 70% |
| Other | 117 | 187 | 63% |