Question

this diagram shows a baseballs motion. which statement is best supported by the diagram? kinetic energy becomes potential energy between points r and s. maximum potential energy is at point p. maximum potential energy is at point r. potential energy becomes kinetic energy between points p and q.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - conversion concepts

Kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$) depends on velocity and potential energy ($PE = mgh$) depends on height. As the baseball moves up, its velocity decreases and height increases, converting $KE$ to $PE$. As it moves down, height decreases and velocity increases, converting $PE$ to $KE$.

Step2: Analyze each option

• For the statement "Kinetic energy becomes potential energy between points R and S": The baseball is moving down from R to S, so potential energy becomes kinetic energy, not the other - way around.
• For "Maximum potential energy is at point P": Since potential energy is $PE=mgh$ and point P is not the highest point, this is incorrect.
• For "Maximum potential energy is at point R": The highest point of the baseball's motion is R. At the highest point, the velocity is 0 (momentarily), and the height $h$ is maximum. So, the potential energy $PE = mgh$ is maximum at point R.
• For "Potential energy becomes kinetic energy between points P and Q": The baseball is moving up from P to Q, so kinetic energy becomes potential energy.

Answer:

Maximum potential energy is at point R.