ASPECt
Energy: Forms, Transformation, Transfer, and Conservation
Item RG115002: The electrostatic potential energy in a system of two oppositely charged particles is highest while the particles are separated and lowest when they are in contact.
Two charged particles are held in place on a surface.
When the particles are released, they begin to move toward each other. They collide and come to rest.
Which of the following statements is true about the electrostatic potential energy of this system of charged particles?
- The electrostatic potential energy is highest before the particles are released and lowest when they are in contact.
- The electrostatic potential energy is lowest before the particles are released and highest when they are in contact.
- The electrostatic potential energy is highest before the particles are released and lowest when they are moving toward each other.
- The electrostatic potential energy is lowest before the particles are released and highest when they are moving toward each other.
- Distribution of Responses
- Scale Score for Item Difficulty
(200[Easy]-800[Difficult]) - 521
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 365 | 1094 | 33% |
| Grades | |||
| 4–5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 6–8 | 200 | 654 | 31% |
| 9–12 | 165 | 440 | 38% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 183 | 529 | 35% |
| Female | 177 | 547 | 32% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 335 | 985 | 34% |
| Other | 28 | 96 | 29% |
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- PS3.C When two objects interacting through a field change relative position, the energy stored in the field is changed.
- NRC Framework
- Energy is also stored in the electric fields between charged particles and the magnetic fields between magnets, and it changes when these objects are moved relative to one another.