What energy transformation occurs when a skydiver first jumps from a plane?

Question

Gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy.
Gravitational potential energy transforms into thermal energy.
Kinetic energy transforms into gravitational potential energy.
Thermal energy transforms into gravitational potential energy.

Answer 1

When a skydiver first jumps from a plane, gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy. As the skydiver descends, the gravitational potential energy decreases while the kinetic energy increases as their speed increases. Therefore, the correct answer is:

Gravitational potential energy transforms into kinetic energy.