The energy transfer diagram represents the energy of a person diving into a pool.

Question

A wide arrow labeled gravitational potential energy 8000 J with a small arrow turning away from it labeled thermal energy ? J. The rest of the arrow goes forward labeled kinetic energy 7000 J.

How much thermal energy is generated?

1000 J
2000 J
7000 J
15,000 J

Answer 1

To find the amount of thermal energy generated, we can analyze the energy transfer diagram.

Initially, the diver has gravitational potential energy of 8000 J. When the diver dives into the pool, some of this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and some is transformed into thermal energy due to factors like friction with air and water, as well as the impact with the water.

From the information given:

• Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) = 8000 J
• Kinetic Energy (KE) = 7000 J

The total energy before diving (GPE) is equal to the sum of the kinetic energy and thermal energy generated:

\[ \text{GPE} = \text{KE} + \text{Thermal Energy} \]

Substituting the known values:

\[ 8000 J = 7000 J + \text{Thermal Energy} \]

To find the thermal energy, we rearrange the equation:

\[ \text{Thermal Energy} = 8000 J - 7000 J \]

Calculating this gives:

\[ \text{Thermal Energy} = 1000 J \]

Therefore, the amount of thermal energy generated is 1000 J.