Question

a ball is dropped from the top of a building.
when does the ball have the most kinetic energy?

○ after it has hit the ground

○ just before it hits the ground

○ as it is released

○ half way through the fall

Explanation:

Kinetic energy (KE) depends on mass and velocity ($KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$). When a ball is dropped, it accelerates due to gravity, increasing velocity until just before hitting the ground. After hitting the ground, it stops (velocity = 0, KE = 0). At release, initial velocity is 0 (KE = 0). Half - way, velocity is less than just before impact. So maximum KE is just before hitting the ground.

Answer:

B. just before it hits the ground