Question

Why doesn't the skater stop moving? Justify your answer.

a) The skater doesn't stop moving due to the conservation of energy, as the initial potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, and this process repeats on each hill.
b) The skater doesn't stop moving because of friction with the track.
c) The skater doesn't stop moving due to the shape of the track.
d) The skater stops moving, and the question is incorrect.

If the skater was in the same position on the right side, would you expect the diagrams and the speed to look the same? Why?
a) Yes, because the shape of the track is symmetrical.
b) No, because the skater's speed would vary on different sides.
c) Yes, because the side doesn't matter; only the height matters.
d) No, because the skater's position affects the speed.
Describe the transfer of energy and explain WHY the skater has each type of energy.
a) The skater has potential energy at the top of the hills, which is converted to kinetic energy as they descend.
b) The skater has kinetic energy at the top of the hills, which is converted to potential energy as they descend.
c) The skater has both potential and kinetic energy at all points of the track.
d) The skater does not have any energy on the track.
Consider the two low points in the ramp. At which point will the skater have the maximum kinetic energy? Why do you think that is?
a) The skater will have maximum kinetic energy at the first low point because it is closer to the ground.
b) The skater will have maximum kinetic energy at the second low point because it is farther from the ground.
c) The skater will have the same kinetic energy at both low points.
d) The skater will not have any kinetic energy at the low points.

Answer 1

The skater continues moving because of conservation of energy, where potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. The track's symmetrical shape ensures that the skater's speed and energy diagrams look the same on both sides. Similarly, the kinetic energy at any two low points on the track is the same due to energy conservation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The skater doesn't stop moving due to the conservation of energy; the initial potential energy at the top of each hill is converted into kinetic energy as the skater descends, and this process repeats on each hill. If the skater was in the same position on the right side, the diagrams and the speed would look the same because the shape of the track is symmetrical, implying that only the height matters for calculating energy and speed, not the side. Regarding the transfer of energy, the skater has potential energy at the top of the hills which is converted to kinetic energy as they descend down the hills. At any two low points in the ramp, assuming no energy is lost to friction, the skater will have the same kinetic energy because the total mechanical energy is conserved due to conservation of energy.