Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2025 · Paper 13 · Question 18

A ball is released from rest and falls vertically to the ground. The kinetic energy $E_K$ of the ball varies as the height $h$ of the ball above the ground changes. Air resistance is negligible. Which graph shows the variation of $E_K$ with $h$?

1. AGraph A: $E_K$ against $h$, curve increasing from origin with increasing gradient
2. BGraph B: $E_K$ against $h$, straight line through origin with positive gradient
3. CGraph C: $E_K$ against $h$, curve decreasing from a maximum at $h=0$ to zero
4. DGraph D: $E_K$ against $h$, straight line decreasing from a maximum at $h=0$ to zero

As printed in the paper