Question

a whale was swimming deep in the ocean. after a few minutes, the whale swam to the surface of the water to breathe. complete the statement. assume that the whales mass did not change. the gravitational potential energy stored between the whale and earth ______ as the whale swam toward the surface. stayed the same decreased increased

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy

The formula for gravitational potential energy is \(U = mgh\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height (or in this case, the vertical distance from a reference point).

Step2: Analyze the variables

We are told that the whale's mass \(m\) does not change and \(g\) (acceleration due to gravity) is approximately constant near the Earth's surface. As the whale swims toward the surface, its height \(h\) (relative to the ocean floor or a lower - depth reference) increases.

Step3: Determine the change in gravitational potential energy

Since \(U = mgh\), and \(m\) and \(g\) are constant, when \(h\) increases, the gravitational potential energy \(U\) increases.

Answer:

increased