Use the picture to answer the 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 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. The potential energy is increasing at point B because the bicyclist is highest there. 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. Skip to navigation page 13 of 13

Answer 1

To determine where the bicyclist's potential energy is increasing, we need to focus on the elevation of the bicyclist at each point, as potential energy is related to height.

1. Point A: If the bicyclist is moving fastest here, it does not imply an increase in potential energy. Potential energy increases with height, not speed.

2. Point B: If the bicyclist is highest at this point, then the potential energy would be at its maximum here. This would mean while moving to point B (if it’s an uphill motion), potential energy would increase as elevation increases.

3. Point C: If the bicyclist is still moving uphill at this point, then the potential energy could also still be increasing here as well; however, if Point B is the highest point, then Point C’s potential energy would be less than at Point B.

Given the choices, it appears that:

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

So, the correct response would be: The potential energy is increasing at point B because the bicyclist is highest there.