A child is sliding down a slide at the playground.

Question

Is the mechanical energy conserved? Why or why not?

Responses

The mechanical energy isn't conserved. Some energy is lost to friction.

The mechanical energy isn't conserved. Some energy is lost to friction.

The mechanical energy is conserved. There is as much KE at the end as there was PE at the beginning.

The mechanical energy is conserved. There is as much KE at the end as there was PE at the beginning.

Mechanical energy is always conserved.

Mechanical energy is always conserved.

The mechanical energy isn't conserved. Some energy is lost to gravity.

Answer 1

The correct response is: The mechanical energy isn't conserved. Some energy is lost to friction.

When a child slides down a playground slide, gravitational potential energy (PE) is converted into kinetic energy (KE). However, due to factors like friction between the child and the slide and air resistance, some energy is converted into thermal energy rather than being fully converted into kinetic energy. This means that the total mechanical energy (the sum of potential and kinetic energy) is not conserved throughout the sliding process.