Which of the following scenarios represents $kinetic energy$ transforming into $potential energy$?

• A. A ball thrown upward slows down as it rises, converting its motion into $gravitational potential energy$.
• B. A battery powers a flashlight, converting $chemical potential energy$ into light and heat.
• C. A compressed spring releases and launches a toy car forward, converting $potential energy$ into $kinetic energy$.
• D. A rock falling from a cliff speeds up as it descends, converting $potential energy$ into $kinetic energy$.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions: Kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy stored due to an object's position or configuration, such as gravitational potential energy when an object is elevated.
2. Identify the process of energy transformation: When kinetic energy transforms into potential energy, the object slows down as it gains height or moves to a position of higher potential energy.
3. Analyze the scenarios: A ball thrown upward slows down as it rises, which means its kinetic energy decreases while its gravitational potential energy increases.
4. Contrast with other options: For example, a rock falling speeds up, converting potential energy into kinetic energy, which is the opposite transformation.
5. Conclude that the scenario where a ball thrown upward slows down as it rises best represents kinetic energy transforming into potential energy.