A skydiver whose parachute is fully deployed is descending at constant speed. Describe what is happening to her kinetic energy, her potential energy, and her total mechanical energy as she falls. Is any work being done? If yes, where does it go?
2006-09-30 13:34:01 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Her kinetic energy is constant. Her potential energy is steadily decreasing as she falls. Yes, work is being done. Her potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy of the air, in the form of the turbulence her parachute generates as she falls. This in turn is converted into thermal energy; the air becomes slightly warmer as the turbulence is dissipated. Thermal energy is kinetic energy of air molecules whizzing around in random directions. So whether you're the space shuttle on re-entry or a skydiver slowly parachuting down, your potential energy due to altitude is converted into heat energy.
2006-09-30 13:42:56 · answer #1 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great answer by zee_prime above
2006-09-30 21:02:34 · answer #2 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋