Final answer:
A conservative force depends only on the initial and final positions, not the path. Assuming no friction, the potential energy of a diving board increases as a swimmer steps onto it and then is transformed into kinetic energy as they dive off.
Step-by-step explanation:
A conservative force is the type of force where the work done by or against the force only depends on the initial and final positions of the object it's acting upon, and not on the path taken. Examples of conservative forces include gravity and elastic (spring) forces. When the internal friction is negligible, the force exerted by a diving board can be considered conservative.
Assuming friction is negligible, the changes in the potential energy of a diving board as a swimmer dives from it occur in the following manner: Just before the swimmer steps on the board, the potential energy is at its initial state. As the swimmer steps on the diving board and moves to the end to dive, their gravitational potential energy increases, since their height with respect to the water surface increases. The diving board bends, temporarily storing this energy as elastic potential energy. When the swimmer dives off and their feet leave the board, the elastic potential energy is released, and it is transformed back into gravitational potential energy, and then to kinetic energy as the diver falls towards the water.