In an investigation of potential and kinetic energy, a student stands at the top of a hill and pushes a ball down the hill as shown.
How does the potential and kinetic energy of the ball change as the ball rolls down the hill?
(1 point)
Responses
The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both decrease.
The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both decrease.
The potential energy of the ball increases, and the kinetic energy of the ball decreases.
The potential energy of the ball increases, and the kinetic energy of the ball decreases.
The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.
The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.
The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both increase.
The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both decrease.
The correct response is: The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.
The potential and kinetic energy of the ball change as it rolls down the hill. To understand how they change, let's first define potential and kinetic energy.
Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position or condition. In this case, the potential energy of the ball is highest when it is at the top of the hill because it is at its highest position. As the ball rolls down the hill, its potential energy decreases because it is moving closer to the ground.
Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. Initially, when the ball is at the top of the hill, its kinetic energy is zero because it is not moving. However, as the ball rolls down the hill, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing it to gain speed and increase its kinetic energy.
Therefore, the correct answer is: The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.