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.
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.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best response to describe what happens when Bradley throws the soccer ball over the edge of the mountain is:
**D** Both the kinetic and potential energy change, but the total energy remains constant.
When Bradley throws the ball, it starts with a certain amount of potential energy due to its height (which decreases as it falls) and initially has low kinetic energy. As it is thrown and falls, its kinetic energy increases while its potential energy decreases, but the total mechanical energy (the sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant, assuming no air resistance or other energy loss.
**D** Both the kinetic and potential energy change, but the total energy remains constant.
When Bradley throws the ball, it starts with a certain amount of potential energy due to its height (which decreases as it falls) and initially has low kinetic energy. As it is thrown and falls, its kinetic energy increases while its potential energy decreases, but the total mechanical energy (the sum of kinetic and potential energy) remains constant, assuming no air resistance or other energy loss.