Here's why:
* Gravity: Gravity is the force of attraction between any two objects with mass. The Earth has a large mass, so it exerts a strong gravitational pull on objects near its surface, including rocks on a mountain.
* Potential Energy: When the rock is positioned on the mountain, it possesses potential energy due to its height above the ground. This potential energy is stored energy that can be converted into kinetic energy (energy of motion).
* Conversion to Kinetic Energy: As the rock begins to move downhill, gravity pulls it downwards. This pull converts the rock's potential energy into kinetic energy. The rock accelerates as it gains kinetic energy.
In simpler terms, gravity is the "push" that starts the rock moving downhill.
