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

Potential energy increases, but kinetic energy does not change.
Potential energy increases, but kinetic energy does not change.

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.

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

The roller coaster destroys potential energy.

Answer 1

Based on the description you provided, the correct statement is:

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

In a roller coaster, energy is conserved, meaning that the total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) remains constant, while energy transforms from one type to another as the coaster moves through different heights and speeds.