Question

the diagram shows a ball resting at the top of a hill. which statement best describes the energy in this system? the potential energy in the system is greatest at x. the kinetic energy in the system is greatest at x. total energy in the system decreases as the ball moves from x to y. total energy in the system increases as the ball moves from x to y.

Explanation:

Potential energy is related to height and mass. At the top of the hill (point X), the ball has maximum height in the given system and zero velocity. Kinetic energy is related to velocity. As the ball is at rest at X, its kinetic - energy is zero. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy (sum of kinetic and potential energy) of a closed system remains constant in the absence of non - conservative forces (like friction, air resistance is neglected here). As the ball moves from X to Y, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, but the total energy remains the same.

Answer:

The potential energy in the system is greatest at X.