Figure 4 shows a theme park ride called AquaShute - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1

To calculate the gravitational potential energy (E_p) of the rider at the top of the slide, we use the formula:

$E_p = \text{mass} \times \text{gravitational field strength} \times \text{height}$

Substituting the values:

$E_p = 62.5 \text{ kg} \times 9.8 \text{ N/kg} \times 16.0 \text{ m} = 9800 \text{ J}$

To calculate the kinetic energy (E_k) of the rider at the bottom of the slide, we use the formula:

$E_k = 0.5 \times \text{mass} \times (\text{speed})^2$

Substituting the values:

$E_k = 0.5 \times 62.5 \text{ kg} \times (12 \text{ m/s})^2 = 4500 \text{ J}$

1. The speed of the sled at the bottom of the slide.

2. The friction between the sled (and the rider) and the surface of the slide, as well as air resistance.