Consider an elastic ball that is falling downward toward the ground. The ball hits the ground and then begins traveling upward again. At what point in the trip does the ball have the most energy stored in it as elastic potential energy?
A) At the bottom of the path when it is not moving, right before it rebounds.
B) After it has rebounded and left the ground.
C) Right before it hits the ground
D) When it is moving the fastest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ball has the most elastic potential energy at the bottom of its path when it is not moving, right before it rebounds. This is because all of its kinetic energy from the fall has been converted into elastic potential energy at the moment of maximum compression against the ground, just before it starts to rebound upwards.

Consider an Elastic Ball That Is Falling Downward Toward the Ground