(d) mechanical energy
Reason — Mechanical energy, which is the sum of kinetic and potential energy, remains constant during the motion of the body. Initially, when the body is released from a height, it has potential energy. As it falls, this potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. However, the sum of kinetic and potential energy (mechanical energy) remains constant in the absence of external forces like air resistance.
(a) Calculate the change in the gravitational potential energy of the skier between A and B. (b) If 75% of the energy in part (a) becomes the kinetic energy at B, calculate the speed at which the skier arrives at B.(Take g = 10 ms-2).