Asked by ji

Which energy transformation occurs after a skydiver reaches terminal velocity?

Gravitational potential energy transforms into thermal energy.
Gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy transforms into thermal energy.
Kinetic energy transforms into gravitational potential energy.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Gravitational potential energy transforms into thermal energy.

At terminal velocity the skydiver's speed is constant (no net acceleration), so kinetic energy doesn't increase. The gravitational work done is dissipated by air resistance and becomes thermal energy (and some sound).