An acorn rolls off a roof and falls to the ground. Which statement best describes the change in energy?

Question

Responses

The acorn’s kinetic energy increases until it hits the ground.

The acorn’s potential energy is changed to mechanical energy.

The acorn’s potential energy and kinetic energy increase and decrease together.

The acorn’s potential energy decreases as its kinetic energy increases.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes the change in energy of the acorn as it rolls off the roof and falls to the ground is:

The acorn’s potential energy decreases as its kinetic energy increases.

As the acorn falls, it loses height, which reduces its potential energy, while simultaneously, its speed increases as it falls, leading to an increase in kinetic energy.