Question

question: how does the speed relate to the potential and kinetic energy?

1. find ways to change the total energy bar. if you change the track, explain what makes the track different from the others (hint: where does the skateboarder start?). use the table below to record your observations.

what did you do?	the total energy.... (circle your answer)
increase the friction of the skater	increases	decreases	no change
increase the gravity of the skater	increases	decreases	no change

conclusion: in a few sentences describe what you think the total energy of the skater depends on. use the tables you filled in during this activity as your evidence.
challenge: using the playground, build a coaster that has as many loops and jumps as possible!

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - mass relationship

The total mechanical energy $E = K+U$, and the kinetic energy $K=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$, potential energy $U = mgh$ (gravitational potential energy). When the mass $m$ of the skater increases, both $K$ and $U$ increase proportionally, so the total energy increases.

Step2: Recall energy - friction relationship

Friction is a non - conservative force. When friction increases, it dissipates energy as heat. According to the work - energy theorem, the total mechanical energy of the skater decreases as energy is lost to friction.

Step3: Recall energy - gravity relationship

The gravitational potential energy is $U = mgh$. When the gravitational acceleration $g$ increases, the potential energy $U$ increases. Assuming the skater's motion is affected only by gravity and no non - conservative forces (for simplicity), the total mechanical energy increases.

Increase the mass of the skater: Increases
Increase the friction of the skater: Decreases
Increase the gravity of the skater: Increases

Answer:

Increase the mass of the skater: Increases
Increase the friction of the skater: Decreases
Increase the gravity of the skater: Increases