Question

The maximum potential energy in a roller coaster is at _____

(a) the top of the steep climb

(b) somewhere during the climb

(c) somewhere during the descent

(d) the lowest point after the climb

I had been asked this question during an interview.

This intriguing question comes from Various Forms of Energy : The Law of Conservation of Energy topic in chapter Work, Energy and Power of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) the top of the steep climb

The best I can explain: The potential energy is given by;

PE = m x g x h

where;

PE = Potential energy

m = Mass of the object

g = Acceleration due to gravity

h = Height of the object

Hence, the higher the object, the greater the potential energy.