As the bicyclist rides from right to left, at which of the three points, if any, is the bicyclist’s potential energy increasing?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

The potential energy is increasing at point B because the bicyclist is highest there.
The potential energy is increasing at point B because the bicyclist is highest there.

The potential energy is increasing at point A because the bicyclist is moving fastest at that point.
The potential energy is increasing at point A because the bicyclist is moving fastest at that point.

The potential energy is increasing at point C because the bicyclist is increasing in elevation at that point.
The potential energy is increasing at point C because the bicyclist is increasing in elevation at that point.

The potential energy is always decreasing because the bicyclist continues to move forward.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

"The potential energy is increasing at point C because the bicyclist is increasing in elevation at that point."

Potential energy increases when an object is raised to a higher elevation, so if point C represents a point where the bicyclist is gaining height, then the potential energy is indeed increasing at that point.