Energy Transformation in Bungee Jumping
What happens to the total energy of a bungee jumper at the lowest point of the jump?
Options:
(a) The total energy of the jumper consists of TKE and EPE.
(b) The total energy of the jumper consists of EPE.
(c) The total energy of the jumper consists of TKE, GPE and EPE.
(d) The total energy of the jumper consists of GPE.
Final answer: The total energy of the bungee jumper at the lowest point includes both kinetic and elastic potential energy since the initial gravitational potential energy is converted into these forms as the jumper falls and the bungee cord stretches.
The correct answer is (a): The total energy of the bungee jumper consists of TKE and EPE. This statement reflects the principle of conservation of energy. At the beginning of the jump, the jumper has high potential energy, specifically Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE). As the jumper falls, this GPE is progressively converted into Kinetic Energy (TKE) due to the increase in speed. Towards the end of the jump, as the bungee cord starts to stretch and slow the fall, part of this TKE is then converted into Elastic Potential Energy (EPE). At the lowest point, the jumper's energy exists primarily as TKE and EPE, hence the correct answer.
However, the total energy at any point, including the lowest point, should be equivalent to the original GPE at the start of the jump, assuming no energy is lost to air resistance or friction.