Final answer:
A skier gliding down a slope demonstrates the conversion of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy, with energy being conserved but transformed between forms. Friction and air resistance contribute to energy conversion into thermal energy, which results in the skier eventually coming to a stop.
Step-by-step explanation:
A skier gliding down a hill illustrates the conversion of energy from one form to another, specifically the conversion of gravitational potential energy (PE) to kinetic energy (KE). At the top of the hill, the skier has a maximum amount of gravitational potential energy due to their position above the ground. As the skier begins to move down the slope, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. The skier's speed increases as more potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Friction and air resistance play roles in this scenario as well, converting some kinetic energy into thermal energy. This is why skiers do not continually accelerate to infinitely high speeds. When a skier reaches the bottom of the hill, their gravitational potential energy is at its minimum, while their kinetic energy is at its maximum, demonstrating energy conservation through transformation between forms.
However, in real-life situations, the speed at the bottom is not the same as if the object fell straight down due to factors like friction and air resistance. The presence of these forces results in energy dissipation, mainly in the form of heat, which means not all the gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. As a result, the skier eventually comes to a stop due to the conversion of energy to non-mechanical forms and due to energy conservation within the system.