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) Responses 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 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 increased quickly at first, then it increased at a constant rate.

Answer 1

The correct statement is: "His kinetic energy increased while his speed increases, then it became constant."

As the skydiver accelerates and increases his speed, his kinetic energy also increases, since kinetic energy is calculated as \( KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \), where \( m \) is mass and \( v \) is velocity. When the skydiver reaches a constant speed (in this case, 50 m/s), his kinetic energy remains constant as long as his mass does not change.