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20 of 2020 of 20 Items

08:00

Question
Bradley is standing on the top of a mountain holding a soccer ball. Which of these best describes what happens when he throws the ball over the edge?
Responses
A The kinetic energy increases and so does the total amount of energy.The kinetic energy increases and so does the total amount of energy.
B The kinetic energy decreases and the total amount of energy increases.The kinetic energy decreases and the total amount of energy increases.
C The potential energy decreases and the total amount of energy also decreases.The potential energy decreases and the total amount of energy also decreases.
D Both the kinetic and potential energy change, but the total energy remains constant.Both the kinetic and potential energy change, but the total energy remains constant.

1 answer

The correct response is:

D Both the kinetic and potential energy change, but the total energy remains constant.

Explanation:

  • When Bradley throws the soccer ball over the edge of the mountain, the potential energy (due to its height) decreases as the ball falls.
  • Simultaneously, the kinetic energy increases as the ball accelerates downward.
  • According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant in the absence of air resistance and other external forces.