ASPECt
Energy: Forms, Transformation, Transfer, and Conservation
Item RG117002: More energy is transferred when a magnetic force acts over a greater distance.
A student attaches a magnet to a smooth table. She then places another magnet 10cm away as shown below.
When she releases the second magnet, it moves rapidly toward the attached magnet and sticks to it.
In a second trial she uses the same magnets, but increases the distance between the two magnets to 20cm.
Again, the second magnet moves rapidly toward the attached magnet and sticks to it. Which of the following statements correctly describes the amount of energy transferred mechanically to the second magnet in the two trials?
- The amount of energy transferred to the magnet is greater in Trial 1 than in Trial 2.
- The amount of energy transferred to the magnet is greater in Trial 2 than in Trial 1.
- The amount of energy transferred to the magnet is the same in both trials.
- Only force was transferred in each trial. Energy was not transferred.
- Distribution of Responses
- Scale Score for Item Difficulty
(200[Easy]-800[Difficult]) - 516
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 606 | 1749 | 35% |
| Grades | |||
| 4–5 | 84 | 250 | 34% |
| 6–8 | 251 | 773 | 32% |
| 9–12 | 271 | 726 | 37% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 276 | 813 | 34% |
| Female | 321 | 908 | 35% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 537 | 1566 | 34% |
| Other | 61 | 149 | 41% |