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 accurately describes his kinetic energy while falling?(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.

Question

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 accurately describes his kinetic energy while falling?(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.

Answer 1

The correct statement that accurately describes the skydiver's kinetic energy while falling is:

His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant.

As the skydiver accelerates and his speed increases (from 20 m/s to 30 m/s and eventually to 50 m/s), his kinetic energy also increases, since kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the speed (given by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \)). Once he reaches a constant speed (terminal velocity), his kinetic energy remains constant as long as he does not change his mass or lose speed.