Kinetic energy decreases and potential energy increases. Kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases. Both potential energy and kinetic energy decrease. Both potential energy and kinetic energy increase.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: Which statement best describes the energy changes that occur while a child is riding on a sled down a steep, snow-covered hill?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- Kinetic energy decreases and potential energy increases.
- Kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases.
- Both potential energy and kinetic energy decrease.
- Both potential energy and kinetic energy increase.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

Kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases.