c. What is happening to potential energy as the ball is falling? (1 point)
•Potential energy is decreasing.
• Potential energy is increasing.
• Potential energy is staying the same.
• It is impossible to tell.
a. Potential energy is decreasing.
The correct answer is: Potential energy is decreasing.
To determine what is happening to potential energy as the ball is falling, we need to understand the concept of potential energy and how it relates to the motion of an object.
Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. It is dependent on factors such as the object's height, mass, and the force acting upon it. In the case of a falling ball, the primary factor influencing potential energy is its height above the ground.
As the ball falls, its height decreases, meaning it is moving closer to the ground. Since potential energy is directly related to an object's height, as the height decreases, the potential energy of the ball also decreases.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
• Potential energy is decreasing.