A 58.0 kg snow skier is on the top of 351 m high hill. After she has gone down a vertical distance of 142 m, what is her mechanical energy? Explain your answer (CER) !

Initially skier is at a height of 351 m. Her kinetic enery will be nil because she is at rest. Her potential energy will be calculated as follows

potential energy = mgh where m is mass, h is height and g is acceleration due to gravity

potential energy = 58 x 9.8 x 351

= 199508.4 J

Total mehanical energy = potential energy + kinetic energy

= 199508.4 J

According to conservation of mechanical energy, at the height of 142 m also total mechanical energy will be same. At this height some potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy but total of potential and kinetic energy will be same.