Scientists have observed that earth's tectonic plates move in predictable directions. what is the cause of this observation?

Uniform temperature inside earth forces the plates move.

Explanation:

The movements carried out by the tectonic plates occur due to the high temperatures existing inside the Earth.

The Earth's crust is located on the mantle, a layer of Earth composed of magma. The intense heat causes the circular movement of the mantle in convection currents. This convective movement transfers heat from the core (the Earth's innermost layer) to the outermost layers, causing the plates to move, leading to the junction or separation of the continents.

note: the given question is incomplete.

complete question is given below.

which is an example of kinetic energy?

a. the energy stored in ethanol  

b. a hockey puck sliding across the ice  

c. a compressed spring  

d. a ball sitting at the top of a ramp

solution: the kinetic energy is the energy posses by the virtue of the motion of the object.

in the given options, a, c and d are the example of potential energy because it is the energy posses by the virtue of the rest of the object. but option b has the kinetic energy as the object is in motion.

hence, a hockey puck sliding across the ice   is the apex example of kinetic energy.

so, the option (b) a hockey puck sliding across the ice   is the correct option.