After a skydiver reaches terminal velocity,
A) the force of gravity no longer performs work on the skydiver.
B) work performed by the force of gravity is converted into gravitational potential energy.
C) gravitational potential energy is no longer available to the system of the skydiver plus the Earth.
D) gravitational potential energy is converted into thermal energy.
E) thermal energy is converted into gravitational potential energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a skydiver reaches terminal velocity, the work done by the force of gravity is converted into thermal energy due to air resistance and friction, not into gravitational potential energy. This process increases the thermal energy of the skydiver and the surrounding air.

After a Skydiver Reaches Terminal Velocity