Question

Describe the energy transformations that occur from the time a skydiver jumps out of a plane until landing on the ground.

Answer 1

Sample Response: Before jumping from the plane, the skydiver has potential energy. When the skydiver jumps, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which increases until the skydiver reaches terminal velocity. Potential energy is then transformed into thermal energy.

Answer 2

I think, the skydiver has maximum potential energy before jumping. However, as the skydiver jumps and decreases in height, he increases the velocity. Thus, as soon as the skydiver has jumped he is experiencing kinetic energy. The velocity of the skydiver increases as he moves down wards due to gravitational acceleration until he attains terminal velocity.