Use the picture to answer the question.

Question

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

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.

Answer 1

To determine where the bicyclist's potential energy is increasing, we need to assess the elevations at the points indicated (A, B, and C).

1. Potential Energy Concept: Potential energy (PE) in the context of a bicyclist is primarily dependent on height. The formula for gravitational potential energy is given by PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.

2. Assessing Points:

   • If point B is the highest point among A, B, and C, then potential energy is increasing as the bicyclist moves towards that point due to elevation gain.
   • If point C shows the bicyclist increasing in elevation as they approach it, then potential energy is increasing there as well.
   • A point where the bicyclist moves fastest usually relates more to kinetic energy rather than potential energy unless specifically indicated that the elevation is also changing.

Given the available options:

• Option 1: "The potential energy is increasing at point B because the bicyclist is highest there." (This is plausible if point B is indeed higher than A and C.)
• Option 2: "The potential energy is increasing at point C because the bicyclist is increasing in elevation at that point." (This is plausible if the bicyclist is indeed climbing at point C.)
• Option 3: "The potential energy is always decreasing because the bicyclist continues to move forward." (This is incorrect as potential energy can increase despite forward motion if there is an elevation gain.)
• Option 4: "The potential energy is increasing at point A because the bicyclist is moving fastest at that point." (This is misleading as speed doesn't directly correlate to potential energy.)

Thus, the correct responses would be either option 1 or option 2, depending on the height distribution at the points:

• If point B is the highest: The potential energy is increasing at point B.
• If point C shows an elevation increase: The potential energy is increasing at point C.

You should select the option based on the actual heights indicated in the picture, which is not visible here.