Final answer:
The activity that best exemplifies increasing an object's potential energy is (C) Stretching a rubber band, as it involves storing elastic potential energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best example of increasing an object's potential energy is option (C) Stretching a rubber band. Potential energy is the stored energy of position possessed by an object. In the process of stretching a rubber band, work is done against the elastic forces, storing elastic potential energy in the band. When released, this energy can perform work as it converts back to kinetic energy.
Options (A) Rolling a bowling ball and (B) Turning a light bulb are more associated with kinetic energy, as motion is involved. Option (D) Dropping a pencil involves decreasing potential energy and increasing kinetic energy as it falls. Option (E) is incorrect because it combines options (A) and (B), both related to kinetic energy rather than potential energy.
An important thing to remember is that energy transformation occurs constantly, with potential energy converting to kinetic energy and vice versa in various situations. For example, a rock at the edge of a cliff has gravitational potential energy before it falls, and a pendulum converts potential energy to kinetic energy as it swings.