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 increased while his speed increases, then it became constant. His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant. 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 would remain the same for the whole fall as long as he lost no mass. His kinetic energy would remain the same for the whole fall as long as he lost no mass. His kinetic energy increased quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate

Answer 1

The 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, his speed increases, which means his kinetic energy (KE) also increases. Kinetic energy is given by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. As he reaches a constant speed (50 m/s), his kinetic energy will also become constant, as there is no longer an increase in speed.