Science Assessment ~ Topics ~ Energy: Forms, Transformation, Transfer, and Conservation ~ Misconception EGM005

Objects at rest have no energy. Energy is associated only with obvious activity or movement (Brook & Driver, 1984; Finegold & Trumper, 1989; Kruger, 1990; Kruger et al., 1992; Stead, 1980; Summers & Kruger, 1993; Trumper, 1990, 1997a, 1997b, 1998; Trumper & Gorsky, 1993; Watts, 1983). For example, when asked for examples of energy, students say: “A fire burning…a telephone ringing…chemicals frothing…people running…that sort of thing” (Watts, 1983).

Items that test for misconception EGM005 in this project (ASPECt) and key idea ()
Item ID Number	Item Description	How Often the Misconception was Chosen
RG161002	Both a falling rock and a rock on a cliff have energy because all things have energy.	42%
RG083002	A box on the top shelf has more energy than a box on a lower shelf because the box on the higher shelf is farther from the ground.	32%
RG050002	A flower pot on the taller post has more energy than a flower pot on the shorter post because it is higher above the ground.	24%
NG011004	When a box slows down as it slides across the floor, the motion energy of the box decreases and the thermal energy increases because the motion energy is converted into thermal energy.	17%
RG084002	A pot that is hanging outside the second floor window has more energy then a pot hanging outside the first floor window because it is higher above the ground.	15%
RG148002	A speaker, light bulb, and rock all have energy because all objects have energy.	8%
RG104002	There are a number of different ways the amount of energy a tree has can change, for example, when the tree grows or when the sun warms it.	8%
RG014004	Energy is given off by a burning candle because the flame gives off light and heats the air.	8%
RG052003	The more a rubber band is stretched the more energy it has.	7%
RG054003	A spring has more energy if it is compressed more.	5%