Using the graph, describe how the kinetic and potential energy change at each labeled point (top of the hill, middle of the descent, bottom of the hill, and smaller hill). You should have 4 answers in order to fully answer this question.

1 answer

Sure! While I can't see the actual graph, I can provide a general description of how kinetic and potential energy typically change at various points in a typical hill scenario.

  1. Top of the Hill:

    • Potential Energy: At the top of the hill, potential energy is at its maximum due to the height. The formula for potential energy is PE = mgh (mass × gravity × height), so when the height is greatest, so is PE.
    • Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy is at its minimum at the top of the hill, often zero (if the object is momentarily at rest before descending). The formula for kinetic energy is KE = 1/2 mv², and if the velocity (v) is zero, then KE is zero.
  2. Middle of the Descent:

    • Potential Energy: As the object descends, the height decreases, resulting in a decrease in potential energy.
    • Kinetic Energy: As the potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases. The object speeds up as it moves downhill, so its velocity increases, which raises its kinetic energy.
  3. Bottom of the Hill:

    • Potential Energy: At the bottom of the hill, potential energy is at its minimum because the height is the lowest (often considered zero).
    • Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy is at its maximum at the bottom because the object has converted much of its potential energy into kinetic energy, resulting in a high velocity.
  4. Smaller Hill:

    • Potential Energy: As the object climbs the smaller hill, its potential energy increases again due to the increase in height, although it will be less than the maximum found at the previous highest point.
    • Kinetic Energy: Meanwhile, as the object climbs the smaller hill, its kinetic energy decreases because it is losing speed. Kinetic energy will convert back to potential energy as it rises, leading to a decrease in KE and an increase in PE.

In summary, the changes in kinetic and potential energy reflect the conversions between these two forms of energy as the object moves through different heights in its path.