e. What is happening to total energy as the ball is falling? (1 point)
• Total energy is decreasing.
Total energy is increasing.
• Total energy is staying the same.
• It is impossible to tell.
The correct answer is: Total energy is staying the same.
The answer is: Total energy is decreasing.
To determine what is happening to the total energy of the ball as it falls, we need to understand the concept of energy and how it changes in different scenarios.
Total energy typically consists of two main components: potential energy and kinetic energy.
1. Potential energy: This is the energy stored in an object due to its position or condition. In the case of a ball falling, its potential energy decreases as it moves closer to the ground since it is losing height. The formula for potential energy is PE = m * g * h, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.
2. Kinetic energy: This is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. As the ball falls, its velocity increases, resulting in an increase in its kinetic energy. The formula for kinetic energy is KE = (1/2) * m * v^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.
In a scenario like this, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the ball falls. Therefore, the total energy of the ball is changing, but the sum of the potential and kinetic energy remains constant. So, the correct answer is:
• Total energy is staying the same.