Question

which statement best defines the relationship between work and energy?
○ work can transfer energy between objects and increase radiant energy.
○ work can transfer energy between objects and cause a change in the form of energy.
○ work can transfer energy between objects and decrease nuclear energy.
○ work can transfer energy between objects and cause a change in the amount of total energy.

Explanation:

1. Recall the principle of conservation of energy: the total energy in a closed system remains constant. Work is a transfer of energy.

• Option 1: Radiant energy increase isn't a general result of work; work can change energy forms, not specifically increase radiant energy. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Work transfers energy (e.g., pushing a box transfers energy to it) and can change energy form (e.g., work done on a battery charges it, converting mechanical to electrical energy). This aligns with energy principles.
• Option 3: Decreasing nuclear energy isn't a general outcome of work; work doesn't specifically target nuclear energy reduction. Eliminate.
• Option 4: Total energy is conserved (no change in total amount), so work can't change total energy. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. Work can transfer energy between objects and cause a change in the form of energy.