When a dropped ball decreases in height, its potential energy decreases as well. This relationship is a fundamental concept in physics known as the conservation of energy.
Here's a simple explanation to help you understand why this happens:
1. **Potential Energy**: Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state. In the case of a dropped ball, as it is held at a certain height, it has gravitational potential energy due to its position relative to the ground.
2. **Height and Potential Energy**: The potential energy of an object at a certain height is directly related to that height. The higher the object is, the more potential energy it has because it has the potential to fall and gain kinetic energy as it descends.
3. **Decreasing Height**: As the ball is dropped and its height decreases, it loses potential energy because it is moving closer to the ground. This potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
In conclusion, as the height of a dropped ball decreases, its potential energy decreases as well. This decrease in potential energy is accompanied by an increase in kinetic energy as the ball moves closer to the ground.
