Question

In which of the following examples is kinetic energy changing into potential energy?
A.
A bicyclist pedals harder.
B.
A rolling ball moves uphill.
C.
A rolling ball moves downhill.
D.
A bicyclist puts on the brakes.

Answer 1

Answer:

B.  A rolling ball moves uphill.

Explanation:

A rolling ball moving uphill is a typical example of how kinetic energy is changing in to potential energy

Kinetic energy is the energy due to a body in motion.

Potential energy is the energy at rest in a stationary body.

Potential energy is dependent on the mass, height and acceleration due to gravity on a body;

         P. E  = mgh

A ball moving uphill will have its height increasing and this will cause surge in potential energy.

Kinetic energy on the other hand depends on the mass and velocity of a body;

               K.E  = $\frac{1}{2}$ m v²

A ball moving up slope will have the velocity reducing and the kinetic energy reducing.

Therefore, ball rolling uphill will be decreasing in kinetic energy but increasing in potential energy.