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Physics

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  • $\begingroup$ The skater does some work by converting some of her energy into kinetic energy, that kinetic energy needs to be conserved. Now, if the skater stops converting her energy into kinetic, still the skater would had continued moving if the kinetic energy which was generated by the previous work was not dissipated. But the skater slowly decreases her kinetic energy, "where is her energy (kinetic) going?" Here it is to be noted that, due to gravity energy might dissipate or may not depending upon the relative value of force applied by the skater with respect to gravitational force .... $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 13, 2014 at 23:00
  • $\begingroup$ ....if we assume that gravity is not opposing the skater's motion and thus not being the reason for kinetic energy dissipation, the kinetic energy would dissipate due to friction (major), air drag (minor), etc So, due to friction kinetic energy would convert into heat energy. Until kinetic energy is totally dissipated the skater moves for a while and stops. So, missing kinetic energy has been converted into heat energy or some other minor forms. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 13, 2014 at 23:06
  • $\begingroup$ @VINAY actually, I was referring to the apparent substantial and sudden energy loss that occurs when the skater's moment of inertia changes, not the trivial and gradual losses that occur due to friction with air and ice. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 14, 2014 at 2:56
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the attempt, Christoph. I'll +1 it for spherical cows in a vacuum. $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 14, 2014 at 2:57
  • $\begingroup$ This question seems to lead to: What happens to the work done on a muscle, as it allows something to respond to an external force, but under control. Where does the energy go as I slowly walk down a flight of stairs? $\endgroup$ Commented Jan 14, 2014 at 6:54