Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Review Guide

The statement regarding the conversion of energy in a mechanical system is critical for understanding how different forms of energy interact during movement. When we talk about elastic potential energy being converted into gravitational potential energy, it is essential to recognize that this conversion cannot be complete in a practical scenario involving motion.

Typically, when an object moves, part of its stored elastic potential energy will be converted into different forms, including kinetic energy, which may subsequently be transformed into gravitational potential energy as the object rises. However, due to factors such as resistance, friction, and other forms of energy dissipation, not all of the elastic potential energy can be converted purely into gravitational potential energy. Therefore, the idea that all of it is entirely converted into gravitational potential energy overlooks the influence of natural energy losses and fails to accurately represent the energy dynamics that occur during such motions.

Thus, while some energy may convert to gravitational potential energy, a portion will typically be lost as work done against friction, or converted into other forms of energy, preventing the initial elastic potential energy from being entirely converted to gravitational potential energy. This understanding aligns with the principles of conservation of energy in mechanical systems, where energy transformations include losses due to friction and other forces, illustrating why the statement asserting complete conversion is indeed incorrect.