The diagram shows a type of ramp called a half-pipe that skateboarders and snowboarders use to perform high jumps and tricks in the air.

Question

How does the energy compare when the skateboarder is on the bottom of the ramp versus when the skateboarder is in the air performing a trick?
The skateboarder has less kinetic energy on the bottom and more kinetic energy in the air.
The skateboarder has more kinetic energy on the bottom and more gravitational energy in the air.
The skateboarder has more gravitational energy on the bottom and less in the air.
The skateboarder has less gravitational energy on the bottom and more kinetic energy in the air.

Answer 1

To analyze the energy of the skateboarder at the bottom of the ramp versus when they are in the air performing a trick, we need to consider the concepts of kinetic energy (the energy of motion) and gravitational potential energy (the energy stored due to height).

1. At the bottom of the ramp:

   • The skateboarder is at the lowest point, so their gravitational potential energy is at its minimum.
   • If they are moving, they have maximum kinetic energy because they are moving quickly.

2. In the air performing a trick:

   • As the skateboarder rises into the air, they lose speed (kinetic energy decreases) and gain height, which increases their gravitational potential energy.

With this understanding:

• At the bottom of the ramp: Higher kinetic energy, lower gravitational potential energy.
• In the air: Lower kinetic energy, higher gravitational potential energy.

From these observations, we can conclude that the correct answer is:

The skateboarder has more kinetic energy on the bottom and more gravitational energy in the air.