In an investigation of potential and kinetic energy, a student stands at the top of a hill and pushes a ball down the hill as shown.How does the potential and kinetic energy of the ball change as the ball rolls down the hill?.• The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both decrease.

Question

The potential energy of the ball increases, and the kinetic energy of the ball decreases.
The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.The potential and kinetic energy of the ball both increase.

Answer 1

As the ball rolls down the hill, the change in energy can be explained as follows:

1. Potential Energy (PE): The ball is at a higher elevation at the top of the hill, where it has maximum potential energy. As it rolls down, its height decreases, leading to a decrease in potential energy.

2. Kinetic Energy (KE): As the ball descends, it begins to roll faster. The increase in speed results in an increase in kinetic energy.

According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) of the ball remains constant, assuming no friction or other forces are doing work on the ball. Therefore, the potential energy lost by the ball as it descends is converted into kinetic energy.

In summary, the correct answer is: The potential energy of the ball decreases, and the kinetic energy of the ball increases.