The total energy in a system is 675 J. The kinetic energy changes from 296 J to 432 J. Which statement best describes the potential energy of this system?

The total energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy, so potential energy equals total energy minus kinetic energy. Initially, the potential energy is 675 J − 296 J = 379 J. After the kinetic energy changes to 432 J, the potential energy is 675 J − 432 J = 243 J. Thus, it changes from 379 J to 243 J.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.