Question

A swimmer jumps from a diving board into a pool. What would a graph of the swimmer's potential energy and total mechanical energy look like? (1 point)
Potential energy would remain constant, while total mechanical energy would increase.
Potential energy would remain constant, while total mechanical energy would decrease.
Potential energy would increase, while total mechanical energy would remain constant.
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Potential energy would decrease, while total mechanical energy would remain constant.

Answer 1

Potential energy would decrease, while total mechanical energy would remain constant.

As the swimmer falls, gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, so the total mechanical energy (PE + KE) stays constant (neglecting air resistance and splashing).