To answer this question we need to remember each kind of energy:
• Potential energy is the energy held by an object because of its position relative to other objects.
,
• Kinetic energy is the energy held by an object due to is motion.
,
• Internal energy is the energy due to the movement of the molecules of the object.
With this in mind we conclude that the following are ways of giving energy to a basketball:
• You can give a basketball kinetic energy by pushing on it with your hand, as in throwing or dribbling.
• You can give a basketball kinetic energy by spinning it on your finger.
• You can give a basketball potential energy by lifting it upward with your hand, as when shooting a free throw.
,
• You can give a basketball internal energy by heating it.
