Question

An athlete's arm is in an extended position prior to throwing a ball in a forward direction. Which of the following statements BEST describes the arm's energy in this backward position and when throwing the ball?

A. The arm has the kinetic energy created by its position to accelerate forward to throw the ball.
B. The arm has the potential energy created by its position to accelerate forward to throw the ball.
C. The arm has the potential energy created by its backward position, which changes into kinetic energy as the ball is thrown forward.
D. The arm has the kinetic energy created by its backward position and when the ball is thrown.

Answer 1

The best description for the energy in an athlete's arm that is extended before throwing a ball is potential energy, which is converted into kinetic energy as the ball is thrown forward.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question 'An athlete's arm is in an extended position prior to throwing a ball in a forward direction. Which of the following statements BEST describes the arm's energy in this backward position and when throwing the ball?' is option C. The arm has the potential energy created by its backward position, which changes into kinetic energy as the ball is thrown forward. When the athlete's arm is extended and waiting to throw the ball, it possesses potential energy due to its position and the work done in stretching or tensing muscles. Upon accelerating forward to throw the ball, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.