7. In an investigation of energy transfer, a student observes a roller coaster at locations A, B, C, and D. Then she creates the graph below of the roller coaster’s potential and kinetic energy at each location. Which statement is true according to the graph? (1 point) Responses The roller coaster creates kinetic energy. The roller coaster creates kinetic energy. The roller coaster destroys potential energy. The roller coaster destroys potential energy. The roller coaster’s kinetic and potential energy change from location to the next, but its total energy remains the same. The roller coaster’s kinetic and potential energy change from location to the next, but its total energy remains the same. Potential energy increases, but kinetic energy does not change.

Answer 1

Based on the context provided and the usual behavior of energy in a roller coaster system, the most accurate statement would be:

"The roller coaster’s kinetic and potential energy change from location to the next, but its total energy remains the same."

This reflects the principle of conservation of energy, which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another. In the case of a roller coaster, as it moves through different points (A, B, C, D), its potential and kinetic energy will fluctuate, but the total mechanical energy remains constant if we ignore friction and air resistance.