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How to Maximize a Skateboarder's Kinetic Energy

Toss a chocolate bar in the air. The difference between the chocolate bar when it's motionless in your hand and when it rises into the air is kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of moving objects. Physicists define kinetic energy (KE) using the equation KE = 1/2mv^2, in which "m" stands for "mass," or weight on earth, and "v" stands for "velocity." If you examine this equation, you'll see that kinetic energy is greater for larger masses (m) and higher velocities (v). You can use this fact to maximize a skateboarder's kinetic energy.

Things You'll Need

Ankle weights or any other type of small, portable or wearable weight
Skate park or traffic-free concrete or asphalt incline

Instructions

- 1
  Maximize the skateboarder's mass. For example, strap ankle weights around the skateboarder's ankles. Ankle weights are useful because they keep the skateboarder's center of gravity low and help him maintain his balance. Ankle weights are also compact and will not increase the skateboarder's wind resistance.
- 2
  Maximize the skateboarder's velocity. Start the skateboarder on her run from the top of a steep but safe and traffic-free asphalt or concrete incline. For example, the skateboarder starts from the top of a half-pipe at a neighborhood skate park.
- 3
  Note that the skateboarder will have maximum kinetic energy on his run when he reaches his highest speed on the run. The skateboarder will be moving fastest at the bottom of the half-pipe. Your skateboarder will have maximum kinetic energy at the bottom of the half-pipe.

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