Question

1 about to jump out of the plane

2 out of the plane on the way down
3 Safely (or otherwise) on the floor
Describe what is happening to the GPE and kinetic energy at each stage. (high/low), (increasing/decreasing​).

Answer 1

The skydiver's gravitational potential energy is at its highest when about to jump and decreases on the way down as it is converted into kinetic energy, which increases until the skydiver reaches the ground.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a skydiver jumps from an airplane and before the parachute opens, there is a transformation of mechanical energy happening. Initially, upon jumping, the skydiver has a high gravitational potential energy (GPE) and low kinetic energy (KE). As the skydiver falls (stage 2), the GPE decreases because the height from the ground decreases, and the KE increases due to acceleration caused by gravity. This process continues, where KE = -ΔPE or ΔKE = -ΔPEg, signifying the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. Eventually (stage 3), when the skydiver reaches the ground (or floor as referred to in the question), all the GPE has been converted into KE; however, upon landing, this kinetic energy is rapidly dissipated through the landing process.