A skydiver jumps out of a plane and begins to accelerate. His speed increases to 20 m/s, then 30 m/s. His acceleration slows until he reaches a constant speed of 50 m/s. Which statement correctly describes his kinetic energy during this time?(1 point)
Responses
His kinetic energy was positive at first, but it decreased to zero when he stopped accelerating.
His kinetic energy was positive at first, but it decreased to zero when he stopped accelerating.
His kinetic energy increased quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate.
His kinetic energy increased quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate.
His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant.
His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant.
His kinetic energy would remain the same for the whole fall as long as he lost no mass.
The statement that correctly describes the skydiver's kinetic energy during this time is: His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant.
The correct statement is: His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant.
To understand the changes in the skydiver's kinetic energy during the described scenario, we need to recall the formula for kinetic energy: KE = (1/2)mv^2, where KE is the kinetic energy, m is the mass, and v is the velocity.
At the beginning, when the skydiver jumps out of the plane, his speed is increasing. This indicates that his kinetic energy is also increasing since KE is directly proportional to the square of velocity. Therefore, the option "His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant" is the correct statement.
As the skydiver's speed increases from 20 m/s to 30 m/s, his kinetic energy continues to increase. However, once he reaches a constant speed of 50 m/s, his kinetic energy remains constant since the velocity is no longer changing.
Therefore, the correct statement about the skydiver's kinetic energy is: "His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant."