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

Question

(1 point)
Responses

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 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 B because the bicyclist is highest there.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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

Potential energy in a gravitational field is related to the height of an object above a reference point. As the bicyclist moves to a higher elevation, their potential energy increases. Points A and B are not correct responses for increasing potential energy if they are lower in elevation compared to point C. Moving forward does not affect potential energy directly; it is the change in height that matters.