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

• Energy is converted from other
forms, not created.
• Speed is not related to energy in
any way.
• Equal and opposite amounts of other energy are also created.
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 gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it gains speed. This process does not create new energy; it simply transforms energy from one form to another, which is consistent with the law of conservation of energy.