Part C
This simulation shows only the changes in energy that cause the motion of the skateboarder. What energy
transformations are going on within the skateboarder's body during this process?
1 answer
During this process, the skateboarder's body is going through several energy transformations. Firstly, the chemical energy stored in the skateboarder's muscles is converted into kinetic energy as they push off the ground and begin moving forward on the skateboard. As the skateboarder gains speed, the kinetic energy of their body increases, as well as their gravitational potential energy due to their increased height off the ground and the ramp. When the skateboarder reaches the top of the ramp, their kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy, as they reach the highest point of their jump. As they begin to descend, their gravitational potential energy is then converted back into kinetic energy, which enables them to continue moving forward on the ramp. In addition, some energy is lost to non-conservative forces such as friction between the skateboard and the ramp, as well as air resistance. Overall, the skateboarder's body transforms chemical energy into kinetic and potential energy, with energy being lost to non-conservative forces along the way.