Which statement best describes the relationship between a baseball’s potential and kinetic energy after it is thrown? (assume the ball travels in a straight line)
The potential energy of a baseball decreases as it is thrown, while its kinetic energy increases.
The relationship between a baseball's potential and kinetic energy can be explained using the principle of conservation of energy. When a baseball is thrown, it possesses both potential energy and kinetic energy.
Potential energy refers to the energy an object possesses due to its position or height. In this case, the baseball has potential energy when it is held above the ground before it is thrown.
Kinetic energy, on the other hand, relates to the energy of an object in motion. Once the baseball is thrown, it starts to travel in a straight line, and its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it gains speed.
Therefore, the relationship between the baseball's potential and kinetic energy can be described as a conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy. As the baseball is thrown and moves through the air, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.
The relationship between a baseball's potential and kinetic energy after it is thrown can be described by the principle of conservation of energy.
Explanation:
Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state. In the case of a baseball being thrown, the potential energy comes from the height or elevation above the ground from where it is initially thrown.
Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the energy of motion. As the baseball is thrown, it gains speed and its potential energy decreases while the kinetic energy increases. This is because the energy is being transferred from the potential energy (due to its elevated position) to the kinetic energy (due to its motion).
According to the principle of conservation of energy, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. Therefore, the total energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant throughout the motion of the baseball.
As the baseball moves further away from its initial position, its potential energy decreases continuously until it reaches its minimum value (zero) at the maximum height. At this point, all the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. As the baseball descends, the potential energy increases gradually, while the kinetic energy decreases until it reaches its minimum value (zero) at the original position. The potential energy is then at its maximum value, and the kinetic energy is zero.
Thus, the relationship between a baseball's potential and kinetic energy after it is thrown can be described as an inverse relationship. As one type of energy increases, the other type decreases, but the total energy (potential + kinetic) remains the same throughout the motion of the baseball.