Item RG074002: When a paper clip is moving toward a magnet, the kinetic energy of the paper clip increases, and the potential energy of the magnet/paper clip system decreases.
A person has a magnet and a metal paper clip. He puts the paper clip on the table and then brings the magnet close to the paper clip. When the magnet gets close enough to the paper clip, the attractive force on the paper clip causes the paper clip to start accelerating toward the magnet. Which of the following statements describes the changes in kinetic energy (motion energy) and potential energy that occur while the paper clip is moving toward the magnet?
- The kinetic energy of the paper clip and the potential energy of the magnet/paper clip system both increase.
- The kinetic energy of the paper clip increases, and the potential energy of the magnet/paper clip system decreases.
- The kinetic energy of the paper clip increases, but the potential energy of the magnet/paper clip system does not change.
- The kinetic energy of the paper clip stays the same, and the potential energy of the magnet/paper clip system decreases.
- Distribution of Responses

- Scale Score for Item Difficulty
(200[Easy]-800[Difficult]) - 521
- Students Responding Correctly
Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
---|---|---|---|
Overall | 1205 | 3843 | 31% |
Grades | |||
4–5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
6–8 | 619 | 2011 | 31% |
9–12 | 586 | 1832 | 32% |
Gender | |||
Male | 568 | 1742 | 33% |
Female | 605 | 1995 | 30% |
Primary Language | |||
English | 1079 | 3431 | 31% |
Other | 90 | 295 | 31% |