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 and kinetic energy of the ball both increase.
The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both increase.
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 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 correct answer is: The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.
Explanation: As the ball rolls down the hill, its potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases.
To understand why this is the case, let's break it down:
- Potential energy: This is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. In this case, the ball has potential energy when it is at the top of the hill because it is at a higher position. As the ball rolls down the hill, it moves to a lower position, and its potential energy decreases.
- Kinetic energy: This is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. When the ball starts rolling down the hill, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it gains speed. The faster the ball rolls, the more kinetic energy it has.
So, as the ball rolls down the hill, its potential energy decreases because it is moving to a lower position and its kinetic energy increases because it gains speed.