The total energy of the skater, which is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy, remains constant in a closed system if we ignore external forces like friction.
However, increasing the mass of the skater affects both the potential energy and kinetic energy individually:
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Potential Energy (PE) is calculated as \( PE = m \cdot g \cdot h \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}² \)), and \( h \) is height. Thus, increasing the mass will increase the potential energy at a given height.
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Kinetic Energy (KE) is calculated as \( KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \). Increasing the mass will also increase the kinetic energy at a given speed.
In summary, while the total energy remains constant in a closed system, increasing the mass of the skater will increase both potential and kinetic energy values proportionately, as they depend on the mass. The total amount of energy remains the same, but the distribution between kinetic and potential energy will change based on the skater's height and speed.
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