Question

complete the statement. assume that the books mass did not change.
the gravitational potential energy stored between the book and earth____ as the
book fell toward the ground.
stayed the samedecreasedincreased

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy

The formula for gravitational potential energy \(U = mgh\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is height.

Step2: Analyze the change in height

As the book falls toward the ground, its height \(h\) decreases. Given that \(m\) (mass) and \(g\) (acceleration due to gravity near Earth's surface, approximately constant for small - scale height changes) remain the same.
Using the formula \(U = mgh\), when \(h\) decreases (and \(m\) and \(g\) are constant), the gravitational potential energy \(U\) decreases.

Answer:

decreased