Reflecting on the Physics of Dominoes

What type of energy does the first domino possess, and what about the others?

a) The first domino is potential energy; the others are kinetic energy. b) The first domino is kinetic energy; the others are potential energy. c) The first domino is mechanical energy; the others are thermal energy. d) The first domino is electrical energy; the others are sound energy.

Final answer:

The first domino has potential energy, while the others have kinetic energy.

The correct answer is a) The first domino is potential energy; the others are kinetic energy. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only change form. In the case of the dominoes, the potential energy of the first domino is converted into kinetic energy as it falls and hits the next domino, causing it to move and transferring the energy to it. This process continues down the line, with each domino converting potential energy to kinetic energy.

Therefore, the first domino has potential energy, while the others have kinetic energy.