Question

a ball thrown straight up into the air falls back down. at what point in the ball’s flight does it have the most potential energy?
a \tat the exact peak of its arc
b \tthe instant before it hits the ground on the way back down
c \t¾ of the way to the top of its arc
d \tjust before it is thrown

Explanation:

Potential energy (gravitational) is given by \( PE = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height. Higher height means more potential energy. At the peak of its arc, the ball is at the maximum height during its flight. Option b has low height (near ground), option c is not the maximum height, option d has height equal to the initial position (before throw, height is low compared to peak). So at the peak, \( h \) is maximum, so \( PE \) is maximum.

Answer:

a. at the exact peak of its arc