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A skier is in the chair of a ski lift that is moving along at a steady speed, halfway to the top of the hill. Select all that apply regarding the energy types for the skier at this point:

A) Kinetic Energy
B) Gravitational Potential Energy
C) Elastic Potential Energy

Choose the correct energy types for the skier in this situation.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The skier on a ski lift possesses both kinetic energy, due to their steady motion, and gravitational potential energy, due to their elevated position above Earth's surface. Elastic potential energy is not applicable in this scenario as there is no mention of elastic components in use.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the types of energy a skier on a ski lift possesses, we look at the motion and position of the skier. Since the skier is moving at a steady speed, they have kinetic energy, which is energy of motion. Additionally, because the skier is lifted above the ground and therefore above Earth's surface, they possess gravitational potential energy - this is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field. The combination of these two energy types means that even at a constant speed, energy transformation is occurring. As the skier is lifted higher, more gravitational potential energy is being stored, and kinetic energy remains constant assuming a steady speed. In this case, there is no mention of any elastic elements such as springs, so elastic potential energy is not applicable.

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