A person throws a ball up into the air. At which point in its path will the ball have the greatest potential energy?

Question

1. when the ball reaches its highest point
2. when the ball is still rising
3. when the ball leaves the person's hand
4. when the ball hits the ground

Answer 1

The ball will have the greatest potential energy at 1. when the ball reaches its highest point.

Potential energy is determined by the height of the object above a reference point (usually the ground). At the highest point in its path, the ball has reached its maximum height, which means its potential energy is at its maximum. As it rises, its potential energy increases, and after reaching the highest point, it begins to decrease as it falls back down.