Rita climbs a ladder to the top of a water slide, waits her turn, and then slides down the slide into a pool. Which series describes the energy changes of her actions?
a
potential → kinetic → potential
b
kinetic → mechanical → potential
c
kinetic → potential → kinetic
d
potential → mechanical → kinetic
c
kinetic → potential → kinetic
The correct series that describes the energy changes of Rita's actions is:
c) kinetic → potential → kinetic
First, Rita climbs the ladder to the top of the water slide, which involves converting her potential energy to kinetic energy as she gains height. As she reaches the top, her energy is mostly potential energy.
Then, when Rita slides down the slide, her potential energy is converted back into kinetic energy as she moves down. During the slide, her energy is mostly kinetic.
Therefore, the correct series is kinetic → potential → kinetic.
To determine the series that describes the energy changes of Rita's actions, you need to understand the different types of energy involved in climbing the ladder, sliding down the slide, and landing in the pool.
The given options are:
a) potential → kinetic → potential
b) kinetic → mechanical → potential
c) kinetic → potential → kinetic
d) potential → mechanical → kinetic
Let's break down the options and understand each energy type involved in Rita's actions:
1. Potential energy: This is the stored energy an object has due to its position or condition.
2. Kinetic energy: This is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
3. Mechanical energy: This is the sum of potential and kinetic energy in an object.
Let's analyze each option:
a) potential → kinetic → potential:
This series implies that Rita first has potential energy, then converts it to kinetic energy while sliding down, and finally, again returns to potential energy. However, this does not accurately represent the scenario, as Rita does not regain potential energy after sliding.
b) kinetic → mechanical → potential:
This series implies that Rita starts with kinetic energy, which she then converts to mechanical energy while sliding down the slide, and finally, she regains potential energy when she reaches the pool. This doesn't accurately represent the scenario, as mechanical energy is not involved and Rita does not regain potential energy.
c) kinetic → potential → kinetic:
This series implies that Rita starts with kinetic energy, then converts it to potential energy while climbing the ladder, and then converts it back to kinetic energy while sliding down the slide. This accurately describes the scenario, as Rita initially has kinetic energy, converts it to potential energy while climbing up the ladder, and then again converts it back to kinetic energy while sliding down.
d) potential → mechanical → kinetic:
This series implies that Rita starts with potential energy, and then converts it to mechanical energy while climbing the ladder. Finally, she converts the mechanical energy to kinetic energy while sliding down. This does not accurately represent the scenario since mechanical energy is not involved.
Based on the analysis, the correct series that describes the energy changes of Rita's actions is c) kinetic → potential → kinetic.