Question

complete the statement. assume that the water balloons mass did not change. the gravitational potential energy stored between the water balloon and earth as the water balloon fell toward keith. stayed the same decreased increased

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

As the water balloon falls, its height \(h\) relative to the ground (or Keith, assuming he is at a lower height) decreases. Since \(m\) (mass) and \(g\) (acceleration due to gravity, approximately constant near Earth's surface) remain the same (mass is given as not changing), and \(h\) decreases.

Step3: Determine the change in gravitational potential energy

Using the formula \(U = mgh\), when \(h\) decreases (with \(m\) and \(g\) constant), the value of \(U\) (gravitational potential energy) decreases.

Answer:

decreased