Question

question 4 of 20
a ball was positioned in the middle of a smooth ramp and allowed to roll downward. how does the total mechanical energy of the ball at the bottom of the ramp compare to its total mechanical energy before it is released? assume there is no friction.
a. its mechanical energy is the same before it was released as it is when it is rolling off the ramp.
b. its mechanical energy is less at the bottom of the ramp than in the

Explanation:

According to the law of conservation of mechanical energy, in the absence of non - conservative forces like friction, the total mechanical energy (sum of potential and kinetic energies) of a system remains constant. Initially, the ball has only potential energy. As it rolls down, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, but the total mechanical energy stays the same.

Answer:

A. Its mechanical energy is the same before it was released as it is when it is rolling off the ramp.