At which point on the roller coaster do the riders have the LEAST gravitational potential energy?
F
G
H**
K
We need the picture but it would be at the top on the ride, I believe. Have you ever been on one. If so try to remember where you thought you would blow lunch. That is probably the spot on the ride.
To determine the point on the roller coaster where the riders have the least gravitational potential energy, you need to understand that gravitational potential energy is highest at the highest point on the roller coaster and lowest at the lowest point.
In this case, the point with the least gravitational potential energy is indicated by the letter H.
To determine at which point on the roller coaster the riders have the least gravitational potential energy, you need to understand the concept of gravitational potential energy and how it varies with height.
Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its height above the ground. It depends on the mass of the object, the acceleration due to gravity, and the height above a reference point.
On a roller coaster, the riders experience changes in their gravitational potential energy as they move up and down. The highest point on the roller coaster usually represents the maximum potential energy, while the lowest point represents the minimum potential energy.
Considering the options provided:
- Suppose point F is the highest point on the roller coaster. Since it represents the maximum height, it also corresponds to the maximum gravitational potential energy, not the least.
- Point G is not the highest point on the roller coaster, so it is not where the riders would have the least gravitational potential energy.
- Point H is the lowest point among the given options. As mentioned earlier, the lowest point represents the minimum potential energy. Therefore, point H is where the riders would have the least gravitational potential energy.
- Point K is not the highest or lowest point among the given options, so it is not the answer.
In conclusion, point H is the correct option, representing the point on the roller coaster where the riders have the least gravitational potential energy.