Question

The gravitational potential energy of the ball changes as it bounces. Where is the ball located when its gravitational potential energy is greatest? Where is the ball when its gravitational potential energy has the least value?

Answer 1

When the planet is closest to the Sun, speed v and kinetic energy are the highest, and gravitational potential energy is the lowest. When the planet moves farther away, the speed and kinetic energy decrease, and the gravitational potential energy increases.