Question

a submarine dove hundreds of feet from the surface of the ocean toward the ocean floor. complete the statement. assume that the submarines mass did not change. the gravitational potential energy stored between the submarine and earth ______ as the submarine dove toward the ocean floor. increased decreased stayed the same

Explanation:

Step1: Recall gravitational potential energy formula

The formula for gravitational potential energy is \( U = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height.

Step2: Analyze the change in height

When the submarine dives towards the ocean floor, its height \( h \) relative to the Earth (assuming the Earth - submarine system) decreases.

Step3: Determine the change in gravitational potential energy

Since \( m \) (mass of submarine) and \( g \) (acceleration due to gravity, approximately constant near the Earth's surface for the distances involved in a submarine dive) are non - zero and constant, and \( h \) decreases, using the formula \( U = mgh \), the gravitational potential energy \( U \) decreases.

Answer:

decreased