Question

in the earth - ball system, what happens to the potential energy of the ball as it falls?
it is destroyed.
it remains constant.
it is converted into kinetic energy.
it is converted into chemical energy.

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed. In the Earth - ball system, as the ball falls, its height decreases. The formula for gravitational potential energy is \(U = mgh\) (where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is height). As \(h\) decreases, the potential energy \(U\) decreases. At the same time, the ball's speed \(v\) increases. The formula for kinetic energy is \(K=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}\). The decrease in potential energy is converted into an increase in kinetic energy. Chemical energy is not relevant in this simple mechanical (falling ball) context. And energy is not destroyed (violates conservation law) and does not remain constant (as height and speed are changing).

Answer:

It is converted into kinetic energy.