Question

How does the skater's Potential and Kinetic Energy change as he/she goes up and down the ramp?

1. Potential energy increases, kinetic energy decreases.
2. Potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases.
3. Potential energy and kinetic energy remain constant.
4. Potential energy and kinetic energy both increase.

Answer 1

The skater's potential energy increases and kinetic energy decreases as they go up the ramp. Conversely, their potential energy decreases and kinetic energy increases as they go down the ramp.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a skater goes up and down a ramp, their potential and kinetic energy change. The skater's potential energy increases as they go up the ramp because they are moving against the force of gravity. Conversely, their kinetic energy decreases as they move up the ramp because their speed decreases.

As the skater goes down the ramp, their potential energy decreases because they are moving in the direction of gravity. At the same time, their kinetic energy increases because their speed increases due to the force of gravity.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 1: Potential energy increases, kinetic energy decreases as the skater goes up and down the ramp.