What happens to potential energy as a ball falls

1 answer

As a ball falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or height above the ground.

When the ball is in an elevated position, it has a higher potential energy compared to when it falls towards the ground. As the ball starts to fall, gravitational force accelerates it downwards, converting its potential energy into kinetic energy.

At any given point during the fall, the sum of the ball's kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy remains constant, demonstrating the principle of conservation of energy. As the ball reaches the ground, its potential energy is completely converted into kinetic energy, resulting in maximum speed just before impact.