The total energy at each point in the path of the skier is constant as the
skier travels down the slope.
- 1) 1A P.E. = 15,000 J, 1B K.E. = 19,000 J, 1C, P.E. = 0 J
- 2) The mechanical energy of the system is constant
- 3) Energy is given off as heat due to friction such that the total energy of the system is not conserved if friction is experienced
Reasons:
1) Given that the total mechanical energy, M.E. is constant, we have;
M.E. = Kinetic Energy, K.E. + Potential Energy, P.E. = Constant
M.E. = K.E. + P.E.
At the start, we have;
P.E. = 25,000 J
K.E. = 0 J
Therefore;
M.E. = 25,000 J + 0 J = 25,000 J
At point 1A, we have, K.E = 10,000 J
P.E. = M.E. - K.E.
Therefore;
P.E. = 25,000 - 10,000 = 15,000
The potential energy at point 1A, P.E. = 15,000 J
At point 1B, we have; PE = 6000 J
K.E. = M.E. - P.E.
Therefore;
K.E. = 25,000 J - 6,000 J = 19,000 J
At 1B, K.E. = 19,000 J
At point 1C, we have; K.E. = 25,000 J
Therefore;
P.E. = 25,000 J - 25,000 J = 0 J
At 1C P.E. = 0 J
2) The Law of Conservation of Energy states that the energy in a closed
system is constant.
The energy transformation follows the Law of Conservation of energy
given that the total mechanical energy is constant at all points along the
path.
3) The energy of a system is not conserved when a external force is
applied.
If the skier experiences friction, the force of friction does work to reduce
the speed of the skier, thereby reducing the kinetic energy at a point
downslope, where the potential energy has already been reduced,
resulting in an reduction in the mechanical energy of the system.
Therefore, if the skier experiences friction, the total energy of the system is
not conserved, as energy will be consumed in the work done by friction
which is converted to heat and sound energies.
Learn more about the Law of Conservation of Energy here:
https://brainly.com/question/2950237