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) Responses Potential energy would remain constant, while total mechanical energy would increase. Potential energy would remain constant, while total mechanical energy would increase. Potential energy would increase, while total mechanical energy would remain constant. Potential energy would increase, while total mechanical energy would remain constant. Potential energy would remain constant, while total mechanical energy would decrease. Potential energy would remain constant, while total mechanical energy would decrease. Potential energy would decrease, while total mechanical energy would remain constant.

Answer 1

When a swimmer jumps from a diving board into a pool, the potential energy is at its maximum at the highest point (when they are on the diving board) and decreases as they fall towards the water. At the same time, as potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases (the swimmer gains speed as they fall), and the total mechanical energy (which is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy) remains constant, assuming negligible air resistance and no other external forces acting on the system.

So the correct response would be:
Potential energy would decrease, while total mechanical energy would remain constant.