The correct answer is:
Total energy does not change because energy is conserved according to the Law of Conservation of Energy.
This law states that the total energy in a closed system remains constant, though it can change forms (for example, from potential energy to kinetic energy) as the system undergoes various processes, such as a skater moving down a ramp.
The other options are incorrect for the following reasons:
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Total energy changes because the skater is adding energy to the system: In an ideal system without external forces (like friction or air resistance), the skater does not add energy; the energy merely transforms from one type to another.
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Total energy changes because the Law of Conservation of Energy says that gamma rays released in motion add energy to the system: This statement is misleading. Gamma rays are not typically a factor in the motion of a skater on a ramp, and they do not contribute to the energy changes in this context.
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Total energy does not change because the skater starts at the top of the ramp, not the middle: While the starting point can affect potential energy, it does not negate the overall energy conservation principle. The total energy remains constant throughout the motion, regardless of the skater's starting position.
In summary, energy is conserved in the system, and any changes in energy forms do not imply a change in the total energy amount.