When a ball is dropped from a height

all the above

When a ball is dropped from a height, it undergoes a transformation of energy due to the influence of gravity. Initially, the ball possesses ravitational potential energy, which is directly proportional to its height above the ground. This energy is given by the formula U = mgh, where m is the mass of the ball, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.

As the ball begins to fall, its height decreases, and the gravitational potential energy is gradually converted into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy depends on the velocity of the ball and is expressed as K = (1/2)mv². During the fall, the speed of the ball increases due to gravity, leading to an increase in its kinetic energy. At any point during its descent, the total mechanical energy of the ball (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant, assuming no air resistance acts on it.

It is important to note that during the fall:

a. Its gravitational potential energy decreases as the height reduces.

b. Its kinetic energy increases as the speed increases.

c. At any intermediate point, the ball possesses both potential energy and kinetic energy simultaneously, as part of the energy transformation process.

d. All the above statements are true, explaining the energy changes experienced by the ball during its fall.

Therefore, when a ball is dropped from a height, it demonstrates the fundamental principles of energy conservation and transformation, as potential energy converts into kinetic energy while the total energy remains constant throughout the motion.