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

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
• quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate.
His kinetic energy was positive at
• first, but it decreased to zero when he stopped accelerating.

Answer 1

The correct statement that accurately describes 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 \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \). As the skydiver's speed increases, his kinetic energy also increases. Once he reaches a constant speed of 50 m/s, his kinetic energy remains constant at that value, as long as he loses no mass.