How does potential energy change when a ball rolls down an incline?

When a ball rolls down an incline, its potential energy decreases. This is due to the fact that potential energy is directly related to the height of the object above a reference point. As the ball descends the incline, it loses height and consequently loses potential energy. The gravitational force acting on the ball works to convert this potential energy into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. Hence, as the ball rolls down, it accelerates due to the increase in kinetic energy at the expense of potential energy, illustrating the conservation of energy principle. The decrease in potential energy occurs in a smooth, continuous manner as the ball traverses the incline.