Final answer:
A conservative force is path-independent and associated with potential energy. As a swimmer dives from a frictionless diving board, their gravitational potential energy increases until they dive off. At that point, the potential energy converts into kinetic energy, with the board's elastic potential energy similarly converting as it returns to its original shape.
Step-by-step explanation:
A conservative force is one where the work done by the force on an object is independent of the path taken. In essence, it only depends on the initial and final positions of the object and is associated with a potential energy.
When we assume that friction is negligible, the force exerted by a diving board is considered conservative. As a swimmer steps on the diving board and moves to the edge, the gravitational potential energy of the system increases due to the elevated height of the swimmer. When the swimmer dives off the board and just before his feet leave it, the potential energy is at its maximum. However, that potential energy begins to convert into kinetic energy as the swimmer falls. At the moment just after the swimmer's feet leave the board, the board has potential energy stored due to its elastic deformation. As this deformation releases, the board springs back to its original shape, signaling that the stored potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy of the board.