Which of these is exhibiting kinetic energy?

A) A space station orbiting Earth

B) A rock on a mountain ledge

C) An archer with a flexed bow

D) A person sitting on a couch while watching TV

E) The high-energy phosphate bonds of a molecule of ATP

Answer:

A) A space station orbiting Earth

Explanation:

Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. To exhibit kinetic energy, an object must be moving.

The space station is moving through space at a high speed, so it is exhibiting kinetic energy because of its motion.

Why the other options are incorrect:

The rock is stationary and not moving, so it does not have kinetic energy. It might have potential energy due to its height, but not kinetic energy.

While the archer is preparing to shoot, the bow is stored with potential energy due to its flex, not kinetic energy. The kinetic energy will be realized when the arrow is shot.

The person is stationary and not moving, so they do not exhibit kinetic energy.

These bonds store chemical energy, not kinetic energy. Kinetic energy involves motion, not stored energy in molecules.

Therefore, A) A space station orbiting Earth is the correct answer.