This image of a roller coaster is designed to show important information about potential and kinetic energy. One of these labeled pieces of information is incorrect. Which information is wrong, and why? (1 point) Responses The spot marked “maximum gravitational potential energy” should be on the lowest point of the roller coaster, at the far left side on the bottom. The spot marked “maximum gravitational potential energy” should be on the lowest point of the roller coaster, at the far left side on the bottom. The roller coaster would only have kinetic energy at the point labeled “gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.” The roller coaster would only have kinetic energy at the point labeled “gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.” The roller coaster would only have potential energy at the point labeled “gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.” The roller coaster would only have potential energy at the point labeled “gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.” The spot with the “maximum kinetic energy” should be on the lowest point of the roller coaster, at the far left side on the bottom.

1 answer

The incorrect information is: "The roller coaster would only have kinetic energy at the point labeled 'gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.'"

This statement is wrong because at that point, the roller coaster would have both gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. Gravitational potential energy is highest when the roller coaster is at its highest point (maximum height), and kinetic energy is highest when the coaster is at its lowest point (maximum speed). Therefore, at the labeled point, the roller coaster cannot have only kinetic energy; it must have both types of energy.