Rebecca climbs the ladder of a large water slide waits her turn at the top and then slides down the slide into a pool which answer best describes the energy changes during her time on the slide

1 answer

The energy changes during Rebecca's time on the slide can be described as follows:

1. Gravitational Potential Energy: As Rebecca climbs the ladder of the water slide, her body gains gravitational potential energy. This energy is a result of her position at a certain height above the ground, and it increases as she climbs higher.

2. Kinetic Energy: When Rebecca slides down the water slide, her gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. This energy is associated with her motion as she descends. As she slides faster, her kinetic energy increases, and as she approaches the bottom of the slide, her kinetic energy is at its maximum.

3. Frictional and Air Resistance: While sliding down, Rebecca experiences frictional forces between her body and the slide, as well as air resistance. These forces act to slow her down and gradually dissipate her kinetic energy. Some of her energy is converted into heat through friction.

4. Heat Energy: Due to the friction between Rebecca and the slide, some of the energy that was originally potential and kinetic is converted into heat energy. This is why the slide may feel warm after numerous slides, as energy is continuously being transformed into heat.

5. Sound Energy: As Rebecca slides down the slide, her movement creates sound waves. The kinetic energy she possesses is partly transformed into sound energy, which is then transmitted through the air.

6. Impact Energy: As Rebecca reaches the end of the slide, she enters the pool, causing a splash. This impact between her body and the water converts some of her remaining kinetic energy into water displacement energy and sound energy.

In summary, the energy changes during Rebecca's time on the slide include the conversion of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy, the dissipation of kinetic energy due to friction and air resistance, the conversion of some of the energy to heat and sound, and the final impact energy as she enters the pool.