A student walks downstairs to class. Which statement correctly describes the types of energy the student has at the top of the stairs and as she walks down the stairs? a potential energy at the top of the stairs; potential energy as she walks down b kinetic energy at the top of the stairs; potential energy as she walks down c kinetic energy at the top of the stairs; kinetic energy as she walks down d potential energy at the top of the stairs; kinetic energy as she walks down
The correct statement is d) potential energy at the top of the stairs; kinetic energy as she walks down.
At the top of the stairs, the student possesses potential energy due to her position or height above the ground. As she walks down the stairs, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, the energy of motion. Therefore, the student has potential energy at the top of the stairs and kinetic energy as she walks down.