Question

The table shows the potential energy and kinetic energy of a skier at two different positions on a hill.

Position and Energy
Position (above ground) Kinetic Energy Potential Energy
100 meters 0 units 50,000 units
60 meters 20,000 units ?
What is the potential energy of the skier at a height of 60 meters above the ground?

Group of answer choices

30,000 units, because total energy decreases

70,000 units, because total energy decreases

30,000 units, because total energy remains unchanged

70,000 units, because total energy remains unchanged

Answer 1

30,000 units, because total energy remains unchanged

Explanation:

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be destroyed, it remains conserved but transforms from one form to the other form.

Hence, we can say that

Total energy = kinetic energy (KE) + potential energy (PE).

At 100 meters above

Total energy = 0 + 50000 = 50000 units.

Hence, 60 meters, total energy would be

20,000 + x = 50000 units

Finally,

HOPES THIS HELPS!!!

x = 50,000 - 20,000

= 30,000

The energy will only transform from one form to the other but will not change.

Answer 2

30,000 units, because total energy remains unchanged.

Explanation:

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be destroyed, it remains conserved but transforms from one form to the other form.

Hence, we can say that

Total energy = kinetic energy (KE) + potential energy (PE).

At 100 meters above

Total energy = 0 + 50000 = 50000 units.

Hence, 60 meters, total energy would be

20,000 + x = 50000 units

Finally,

x = 50,000 - 20,000

= 30,000

The energy will only transform from one form to the other but will not change.