Explain why the roller coaster’s potential energy is greater at point 1 than at point 4.

Answer 1

The roller coaster's potential energy is greater at point 1 than at point 4 because point 1 is the highest point on the roller coaster track. Potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position relative to other objects. At the highest point on the track, the roller coaster has the most potential energy because it is at its highest point and has the most potential to fall and convert that potential energy into kinetic energy as it moves along the track. As the roller coaster moves down the track from point 1 to point 4, it loses potential energy and gains kinetic energy.