To analyze Tamara's bike ride in relation to kinetic energy (KE), we can consider the relationship between speed and kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is given by the formula:
\[ KE = \frac{1}{2} m v^2 \]
Where:
- \( m \) is the mass of the object (in this case, Tamara and her bike),
- \( v \) is the speed.
Analyzing Each Segment of the Trip
-
First Minute (Rapid Acceleration):
- During this time, Tamara increases her speed quickly. As her speed increases, her kinetic energy also increases.
-
Next 4 Minutes (Constant Speed):
- For these 4 minutes, her speed remains constant. Therefore, her kinetic energy remains constant as well since speed does not change.
-
Next Minute (Further Acceleration):
- In this segment, she speeds up again. Her kinetic energy increases as her speed increases.
-
Next 2 Minutes (New Constant Speed):
- Here, she maintains another constant speed. Again, her kinetic energy is stable during this time as speed doesn’t change.
-
Next 2 Minutes (Slowing Down):
- Tamara starts to slow down. As her speed decreases, her kinetic energy decreases as well.
-
Final 2 Minutes (More Slowing and Stopping):
- In this last segment, she continues to slow down and eventually comes to a stop. Her kinetic energy continues to decrease until it reaches zero when she stops.
Summary of Kinetic Energy Throughout the Trip:
- Increase in Kinetic Energy: In the segments where Tamara speeds up (first minute and after 5 minutes).
- Constant Kinetic Energy: In the segments where her speed is constant (next 4 minutes and during the last 2 minutes at a new constant speed).
- Decrease in Kinetic Energy: In the segments where she slows down (last 2 minutes).
Conclusion:
Understanding the relationship between speed and kinetic energy can help us analyze Tamara's bike ride effectively. Whenever she speeds up, her kinetic energy increases; when she maintains a constant speed, her kinetic energy stays the same, and when she slows down, her kinetic energy decreases.