Energy Transfers: Bungee Jumper

• What is meant by the conservation of energy?

  Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
• How is energy transferred within a system during a bungee jump?

  • Gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as the jumper falls.
  • Kinetic energy is converted to elastic potential energy when the rope tightens.
  • Elastic potential energy is converted back to kinetic energy during the ascent.
  • Kinetic energy is converted back to gravitational potential energy at the top of the ascent.
• What happens to the energy of a bungee jumper when they reach the maximum height after the jump?

  All energy is in the gravitational potential energy store.
• Why does a bungee jumper not return to their original position after the jump?

  Because energy is dissipated as thermal energy.
• What are the main forms of energy involved in a bungee jump?

  • Gravitational potential energy
  • Kinetic energy
  • Elastic potential energy
  • Thermal energy (due to dissipation)
• How does energy dissipation occur during a bungee jump?

  Through friction with air and stretching of the bungee rope.
• What is the sequence of energy transfers during a bungee jump?

  1. Gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy (falling)
  2. Kinetic energy to elastic potential energy (rope tightens)
  3. Elastic potential energy to kinetic energy (during ascent)
  4. Kinetic energy to gravitational potential energy (at maximum height)