Question

The force exerted by a diving board is conservative, provided the internal friction is negligible. Assuming friction is negligible, describe changes in the potential energy of a diving board as a swimmer dives from it, starting just before the swimmer steps on the board until just after his feet leave it.

a) Potential energy decreases.
b) Potential energy increases.
c) Potential energy remains constant.
d) Potential energy fluctuates.

Answer 1

The potential energy of a diving board decreases as a swimmer dives from it, starting just before the swimmer steps on the board until just after his feet leave it.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential energy of a diving board changes as a swimmer dives from it. The potential energy of a diving board decreases as a swimmer dives from it, starting just before the swimmer steps on the board until just after his feet leave it.

Before the swimmer steps on the board, the potential energy is at its maximum value because the swimmer is at a higher position above the ground. As the swimmer steps on the board and prepares to dive, the potential energy starts to decrease.

When the swimmer leaves the board, the potential energy is at its minimum since the swimmer is now closer to the ground. Therefore, the correct answer is option a) Potential energy decreases.