Question

a ball is dropped from the top of a building and lands on the ground without bouncing. when does the ball have the least potential energy? just before it hits the ground half way through the fall after it has hit the ground as it is released

Explanation:

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is given by the formula \( GPE = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height above a reference point (here, the ground). As the ball falls, height \( h \) decreases, so GPE decreases. Just before hitting the ground, \( h \) is nearly zero, so GPE is least. After hitting the ground, the ball is at rest on the ground (height \( h = 0 \), but the question is about when it has least potential energy during the process; when released, \( h \) is maximum (most GPE). Half - way, \( h \) is more than just before hitting ground.

Answer:

A. just before it hits the ground