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12. Trace the Energy Conversions Involved When a Cat Hits a Small Bell with Its Paw. __

Question

12. Trace the energy conversions involved when a cat hits a small bell with its paw. __

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Answer

When a cat hits a small bell with its paw, several energy conversions take place:1. **Chemical Energy to Kinetic Energy**: The process begins with the chemical energy stored in the cat's muscles. This energy is converted into kinetic energy as the cat moves its paw towards the bell.2. **Kinetic Energy Transfer**: As the cat's paw makes contact with the bell, the kinetic energy from the paw is transferred to the bell, causing it to move.3. **Kinetic Energy to Sound Energy**: The movement of the bell causes it to vibrate. These vibrations convert the kinetic energy into sound energy, producing the ringing sound that we hear.4. **Kinetic Energy to Thermal Energy**: Some of the kinetic energy is also converted into thermal energy due to friction between the bell and the air, as well as within the materials of the bell itself, though this is usually minimal and not noticeable.These energy conversions illustrate how energy can change forms during an interaction, such as when a cat plays with a bell.