Question

1. what is happening to the kinetic and potential energy of the skier at point b in the image below?

the potential energy is declining and is half of what it was at the top of the slope, and the kinetic energy is increasing and is half of what it will be at the bottom.
the kinetic energy is declining and is half of what it was at the top of the slope, and the potential energy is increasing and is half of what it will be at the bottom.
the kinetic energy is at its highest at point b, and the potential energy is at its lowest at point b.

Explanation:

Potential energy (stored energy based on height) decreases as the skier moves down the slope from point A to B, losing elevation. Kinetic energy (energy of motion) increases as the skier speeds up while descending. Point B is midway down the slope, so potential energy is roughly half of its initial value at A, and kinetic energy is roughly half of its maximum value at the bottom (point C). The other options incorrectly reverse energy changes or misstate peak/low energy points.

Answer:

The potential energy is declining and is half of what it was at the top of the slope, and the kinetic energy is increasing and is half of what it will be at the bottom.