Question

how does the law of conservation of energy apply to the changes in potential and kinetic energy of a pencil as it falls to the floor from lying on a desk?
potential energy is created as kinetic energy is destroyed.
kinetic energy is converted into potential energy.
kinetic energy is created as potential energy is destroyed.
potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.

Explanation:

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. When a pencil falls from a desk, its height above the ground decreases, reducing its gravitational - potential energy. At the same time, its speed increases, increasing its kinetic energy. So, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Answer:

Potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.