An object falls through the air, gaining speed as it falls. A student claims that this creates new energy, and so it breaks the law of conservation of energy. Which statement describes why the student is incorrect? (1 point)

Question

Equal and opposite amounts of other energy are also created.
Energy is converted from other forms, not created.
Speed is not related to energy in any way.
Energy can be created without breaking the law of conservation of energy.

Answer 1

The correct statement that describes why the student is incorrect is: Energy is converted from other forms, not created.

When an object falls, its potential energy due to its height above the ground is converted into kinetic energy as it gains speed. The total energy in the system (potential energy + kinetic energy) remains constant, hence the law of conservation of energy is not violated.