Rita climbs a ladder to the top of a water slide, waits her turn, and then slides down the slide into a pool. Which series describes the energy changes of her actions?

Question

a
potential → mechanical → kinetic
b
kinetic → mechanical → potential
c
potential → kinetic → potential
d
kinetic → potential → kinetic

Answer 1

The correct series that describes the energy changes of Rita's actions is:

c) potential → kinetic → potential

1. Potential Energy: When Rita climbs the ladder, she is gaining potential energy due to her height above the ground.
2. Kinetic Energy: As she slides down the water slide, her potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as she gains speed.
3. Potential Energy: When she enters the pool and comes to a stop, her kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy (as she is now at a lower height in the water).

Therefore, the sequence of energy changes is potential (while climbing) → kinetic (while sliding down) → potential (when entering the water).