Kinetic energy, ke
3 marks · NormalA small meteor enters Earth's atmosphere and burns up as a shooting star. It had a large kinetic energy on entry.
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The meteor's kinetic energy is transferred to heat and light as it burns up due to friction with the atmosphere.
Must show: mention of heat, mention of light, mention of friction
Common mistakes: Not mentioning friction; Saying energy destroyed
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions energy is transferred to heat
B2 · 1 mark · Mentions energy transferred to light
B3 · 1 mark · States friction with atmosphere causes transfer
Worked solution
The meteor's kinetic energy is converted to heat and light energy as it burns up in the atmosphere. Friction with air causes the meteor to heat up and glow, so its kinetic energy is transferred to these energy stores.