Question

select the correct answer.
eric throws a basketball straight up into the air. as it rises, which form of energy is increasing?
a. elastic potential energy
b. electrical energy
c. gravitational potential energy
d. kinetic energy

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Elastic potential energy depends on deformation (like a spring), not height. The basketball isn't deforming elastically as it rises, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Electrical energy involves electric charges/currents, which isn't relevant here. The basketball's motion doesn't involve electricity, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: Gravitational potential energy ($U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is gravity, $h$ is height) depends on height. As the basketball rises, $h$ increases, so gravitational potential energy increases. This matches.
• Option D: Kinetic energy ($K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2$) depends on velocity. As the ball rises, it slows down (due to gravity), so velocity $v$ decreases, meaning kinetic energy decreases. Thus, this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. gravitational potential energy