Rolling with Energy: Unraveling the Motion of a Ball on a U-Shaped Ramp

José is investigating the relationship between energy and the motion of an object. José releases a ball onto a U-shaped ramp and observes the motion of the ball as it rolls back and forth between sides 1 and 2.

image Which explains the total energy of the ball on the ramp?

A.  

The ball loses potential energy and absorbs thermal energy when rolling upward.

B.  

The ball loses kinetic energy and loses potential energy when rolling downward.

C.  

The ball loses kinetic energy and gains potential energy when

Answer

Hey there, José! Let's dive into the world of energy and motion. When the ball rolls back and forth between sides 1 and 2 on the U-shaped ramp, its total energy remains constant. However, the forms of energy - kinetic and potential - transform into each other.

The correct answer is: C. The ball loses kinetic energy and gains potential energy when rolling upward. Think about it: as the ball rolls upward, its kinetic energy (the energy of motion) decreases, and its potential energy (stored energy) increases. And vice versa when it rolls downward!

So, to sum it up: the ball's total energy stays the same, but the kinetic and potential energy conversion is the key to understanding its motion on the ramp. Keep rolling with physics, José!

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