Suppose you kick a soccer ball straight up to a height of 10 meters.Which of the following is true about the gravitational potential energy of the ball during its flight?
A)The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant it returns to hit the ground.
B)The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant when the ball is at its highest point.
C)The ball's gravitational potential energy is always the same.
D)The ball's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the instant the ball leaves your foot.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational potential energy of the ball at any point during its flight is directly determined by its height with respect to the ground. As the ball is kicked upwards, its height increases and so does its gravitational potential energy. At the highest point, the ball has the greatest height and therefore the greatest gravitational potential energy. As it falls back down towards the ground, its height decreases and its gravitational potential energy also decreases. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Suppose You Kick a Soccer Ball Straight Up to a Height