Question

A ball is projected into the air. Describe the change(s) in potential and kinetic energy.

A) Potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases.
B) Kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases.
C) Potential energy decreases while kinetic energy increases; then kinetic energy decreases and potential energy increases.
D) Kinetic energy decreases as potential energy increases; once at the top, potential energy decreases as kinetic energy increases.

Answer 1

D. Kinetic energy decreases as potential energy increases

Answer 2

Answer;

D. Kinetic energy decreases as potential energy increases; once at the top, potential energy decreases as kinetic energy increases.

Explanation;

• Kinetic energy is energy that is possessed by a body when in motion while gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by a body while at rest.

• When a ball is projected straight up into the air, it posses kinetic energy, which is then converted into gravitational potential energy when it reaches its maximum height.
• The ball will then turn around and fall back the ground as all the potential energy it had at the highest point is transformed back into kinetic energy as it falls to the ground.