The graph below shows the conservation of energy for a skydiver jumping out of a plane and landing safely on the ground. Which energy is represented by
line B?

A. Elastic energy
B. Kinetic energy
C. Light energy
D. Potential energy

The correct option is:

B) Kinetic Energy

Explanation:

We know that if a body is placed at a certain height, it possesses Potential Energy, which is represented by 'mgh'. In this case, when the skydiver is present in the plane, before jumping, he has potential energy as he is at height 'h'.

As Kinetic energy is given as '(1/2)mv²' dependent on velocity of the object, when the skydiver jumps of the plane, his height starts decreasing, which decreases his Potential Energy. As energy can neither be created or destroyed, but is converted to one form or another, all this Potential energy starts to convert into Kinetic energy. As Potential Energy decreases with distance, Kinetic energy increases. Hence, line B represents Kinetic Energy.