Question

the drawing shows three different positions of a skier as she descends a snow - packed hill. which statement about the skier is correct? the skiers potential energy is higher at point b than at point c. the skiers kinetic energy is lower at point c than at point b. the skiers potential energy is lower at point a than at point c. the skiers kinetic energy is higher at point a than at point b.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall potential - energy formula

The gravitational potential energy formula is $U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is the height above a reference level.

Step2: Analyze height at different points

As the skier descends from point A to B to C, the height $h$ decreases. Point B has a higher height than point C. Since $U = mgh$ and $m$ and $g$ are constant, when $h$ is larger, $U$ is larger. So the potential - energy at point B is higher than at point C.

Step3: Analyze kinetic - energy

The kinetic energy $K=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$. As the skier descends, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (neglecting friction). The skier's speed increases as she descends. So the kinetic energy at point C is higher than at point B, and the kinetic energy at point B is higher than at point A.

Answer:

The skier's potential energy is higher at point B than at point C.