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
potential energy at the top of the stairs; kinetic energy as she walks down
c
kinetic energy at the top of the stairs; kinetic energy as she walks down
d
kinetic energy at the top of the stairs; potential energy as she walks down
b
potential energy at the top of the stairs; kinetic energy as she walks down
Explanation: When the student is at the top of the stairs, she has gravitational potential energy due to her position relative to the ground. As she walks down the stairs, some of that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.