Question

a person throws a ball up into the air. at which point in its path will the ball have the greatest potential energy? (1 point)
when the ball hits the ground
when the ball reaches its highest point
when the ball is still rising
when the ball leaves the persons hand

Explanation:

Potential energy \(U = mgh\) (where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is height). Mass \(m\) and \(g\) are constant for the ball. So potential energy depends on height \(h\). The higher the ball is, the greater the \(h\). When the ball reaches its highest point, \(h\) is maximum. When the ball hits the ground \(h = 0\), when it leaves the hand \(h\) is small (initial height), and when it is still rising \(h\) is increasing but not yet at maximum.

Answer:

when the ball reaches its highest point