ASVAB · General

A ball held at the top of a hill has the most of which type of energy, before it is released?

Correct answer

Potential energy

  1. A Kinetic energy
  2. B Potential energy
  3. C Thermal energy
  4. D Electrical energy

Why this is the answer

A ball held at the top of a hill has maximum POTENTIAL ENERGY (specifically gravitational potential energy due to its height/position). ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension tests energy. POTENTIAL ENERGY is stored energy due to position (the higher up, the more); KINETIC ENERGY is energy of motion. As the ball rolls down, potential energy converts to KINETIC energy (it speeds up as it loses height). At the top (not moving, highest point), potential energy is greatest and kinetic energy is zero. The potential-to-kinetic energy conversion is commonly tested.
Source: ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension — Potential and Kinetic Energy

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all General and other topics.

Take the Mechanical Comprehension practice test →

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.