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)

Question

Responses

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 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 increased quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate.
His kinetic energy increased quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate.

Answer 1

The most accurate statement regarding the skydiver's kinetic energy while falling is:

His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant.

This is because kinetic energy is given by the formula \( KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. As the skydiver accelerates (increasing speed), his kinetic energy will increase. Once he reaches a constant speed (terminal velocity), his kinetic energy stabilizes and remains constant as long as his speed does not change.