A model roller coaster rolls from point X to point Y. Describe the energy transformation.

Question

The picture illustrates the concept of potential energy by comparing the energy of two cars at different points on a roller coaster track. The image depicts a roller coaster track with two cars on it, one labeled "X" at the top of a hill and one labeled "Y" at the peak of a smaller hill. The track is orange and is supported by gray columns. The car labeled "X" is yellow and is moving down the track, while the car labeled "Y" is green and is at rest. The mood of the picture is one of scientific illustration.
1 point)
Responses

Kinetic energy transfers to potential energy, then some potential transfers to thermal energy.
Kinetic energy transfers to potential energy, then some potential transfers to thermal energy.

Thermal energy transfers to potential energy, then some potential energy transfers to thermal energy.
Thermal energy transfers to potential energy, then some potential energy transfers to thermal energy.

Potential energy transfers to kinetic energy, then some kinetic energy transfers to potential energy.
Potential energy transfers to kinetic energy, then some kinetic energy transfers to potential energy.

Kinetic energy transfers to potential energy, then some potential energy transfers to kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy transfers to potential energy, then some potential energy transfers to kinetic energy.

Answer 1

The correct description of the energy transformation as the model roller coaster rolls from point X to point Y is:

Potential energy transfers to kinetic energy, then some kinetic energy transfers to potential energy.

At point X, the roller coaster has maximum potential energy due to its height. As it moves downward toward point Y, this potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, causing the roller coaster to accelerate. When it reaches a lower point and begins to ascend again, some of that kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy.