A skateboarder would have the greatest kinetic energy at the point where they are moving at their highest speed. Kinetic energy (KE) is given by the formula:
\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \]
where \( m \) is the mass of the skateboarder (and skateboard), and \( v \) is their velocity.
As the velocity \( v \) increases, the kinetic energy increases dramatically since it is proportional to the square of the velocity. This means that even a small increase in speed results in a larger increase in kinetic energy.
Typically, in a skateboarding scenario, the skateboarder will gain speed while descending a ramp or hill due to the force of gravity. Therefore, the point of greatest kinetic energy would likely be at the bottom of a ramp or hill, where they have converted the potential energy (gained from height) into kinetic energy, achieving their maximum speed. So, to summarize, the skateboarder has the greatest kinetic energy at the lowest point of a descent where they reach their maximum velocity.
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