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

(1 point)
Responses

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

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

1 answer

The correct response is:

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

Potential energy is related to an object's height above a reference point, so if the bicyclist is gaining elevation at any point, their potential energy will be increasing at that moment. The statement about point C indicates this increase in elevation, making it the correct answer.