In the ski jump, all skiers launch from the same location. What would cause them to have different amounts of potential energy?

1. Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy since they are in motion.

2. As they slope down, work is done against the dissipative forces e.g; Air resistance, viscosity ( friction ). Hence energy is lost.

3. Different weights and heights at which they started sloping.

where mg is the weight.

h is the height moved

therefore, weight and height determines the potential energy.