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

Question

Which statement is true according to the graph?

(1 point)
Responses

The roller coaster destroys potential energy.
The roller coaster destroys potential energy.

The roller coaster creates kinetic energy.
The roller coaster creates kinetic 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

The correct statement according to the principles of energy transfer in a roller coaster system is:

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

In a closed system, energy is conserved. As the roller coaster moves through different heights and speeds, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and vice versa, but the total mechanical energy remains constant (ignoring friction and air resistance).