Question

Consider the concepts of kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (GPE) as you complete these questions. A ball is held 1.4 meters above the floor. Use the terms KE of GPE as your answers.When the ball is held motionless above the floor, the ball possesses only __________ energy.If the ball is dropped, its________ energy decreases as it falls.If the ball is dropped, its________ energy increases as it falls.

Answer 1

Answer:

When the ball is held motionless above the floor, the ball possesses only GPE  energy.If the ball is dropped, its GPE energy decreases as it falls.If the ball is dropped, its KE energy increases as it falls.

Explanation:

If the ball is held motionless, then its kinetic energy is equal to zero, since kinetic energy depends on the velocity. And the ball is held above the ground, which means it possesses gravitational potential energy.

If the ball is dropped, its height will decrease, therefore its gravitational potential energy will decrease. Along the way, the ball will be in free fall, and therefore its velocity will increase, hence its kinetic energy.

$K = \frac{1}{2}mv^2\\U = mgh$