Springs & Mechanical Energy Worksheet for 11-Year-Olds — Science Comprehension Test

Instructions

Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Think about how springs stretch, squish, and store energy to help you find the answers!

Part 1: Vocabulary Match-Up

Draw a line to match the term on the left with its correct definition on the right.

Part 2: True or False?

Read each statement. Circle or write "True" if the statement is correct and "False" if it is incorrect.

1. When a spring is compressed, it stores kinetic energy. __________
2. A bouncing basketball has both potential and kinetic energy. __________
3. The more you stretch a spring, the less potential energy it stores. __________
4. When a compressed spring is released, its stored energy is converted into energy of motion. __________
5. A spring that is not stretched or compressed has no elastic potential energy. __________

Part 3: Fill in the Blanks

Use the words from the word bank below to complete the paragraph. Each word is used only once.

Inside a pinball machine, a player pulls back a plunger to launch the ball. This action puts a large __________________ under tension. When the plunger is __________________, the stored elastic __________________ energy in the spring is transformed into __________________ energy. This energy transfer gives the pinball the __________________ it needs to shoot into the game area. The more the spring is __________________, the more energy it stores, and the faster the ball will travel.

Part 4: Think About It!

Write your answers to the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Think about a pogo stick. Describe the energy changes that happen when you land from a jump and then bounce back up.
2. Name two real-world objects (not toys) that use springs. Briefly explain the job of the spring in each object.

Part 5: Energy in Action

Read the stages of a jack-in-the-box. For each stage, identify the main type of energy involved with the spring.

• Stage 1: You are turning the crank, and the lid of the box is closed. The clown puppet inside is pushed down, compressing the spring it is attached to.
  Main energy in the spring: ______________________________


• Stage 2: The crank has been turned enough, and the lid suddenly pops open! The spring is expanding and pushing the clown puppet out of the box.
  Main energy conversion: The spring's stored energy is turning into ______________________________

Answer Key

Part 1: Vocabulary Match-Up

1. Kinetic Energy → D. The energy of motion.
2. Potential Energy → C. Stored energy an object has because of its position or state.
3. Compression → A. The act of squishing or pressing something together.
4. Tension → E. The act of stretching or pulling something apart.
5. Elastic Potential Energy → F. Energy stored in an object by stretching or compressing it.
6. Mechanical Energy → B. The total energy of motion and stored energy in an object.

Part 2: True or False?

1. False (It stores elastic potential energy.)
2. True
3. False (The more you stretch it, the more potential energy it stores.)
4. True
5. True

Part 3: Fill in the Blanks

Inside a pinball machine, a player pulls back a plunger to launch the ball. This action puts a large spring under tension. When the plunger is released, the stored elastic potential energy in the spring is transformed into kinetic energy. This energy transfer gives the pinball the motion it needs to shoot into the game area. The more the spring is compressed, the more energy it stores, and the faster the ball will travel.

Part 4: Think About It!

1. (Answers will vary, but should include the following concepts) When you land, your weight compresses the pogo stick's spring, converting kinetic energy into elastic potential energy. As the spring expands, it releases that stored potential energy, converting it back into kinetic energy, which pushes you back up into the air.
2. (Answers will vary) Example answers:
   • A car's suspension system: The springs absorb the bumps in the road (storing potential energy) to provide a smoother ride.
   • A mattress: The springs compress under a person's weight to provide support and comfort, then expand back to their original shape when the person gets up.
   • A retractable pen: A spring is compressed when you click the button to extend the pen tip. Clicking it again releases the spring, pulling the tip back inside.

Part 5: Energy in Action

• Stage 1 Main energy in the spring: Elastic Potential Energy
• Stage 2 Main energy conversion: Kinetic Energy (or Energy of Motion)