Question

gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to gravity. gravity is a force that pushes an object towards the center of the earth. write when the rollercoaster has the most gpe and the least gpe.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy

The formula for gravitational potential energy (\(GPE\)) is \(GPE = mgh\), where \(m\) is the mass of the object, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (\(g\approx9.8\ m/s^{2}\) near the Earth's surface), and \(h\) is the height of the object above a reference level.

Step2: Analyze the heights of points A, B, C, and D

Since \(m\) and \(g\) are constant for the roller - coaster (assuming its mass \(m\) doesn't change and \(g\) is approximately constant over the height changes of the roller - coaster), \(GPE\) depends only on \(h\).
The higher the roller - coaster is above the ground (reference level), the greater its \(GPE\).
Among points A, B, C, and D, point A has the maximum height \(h\). So, \(GPE_A=mgh_A\) is the largest.
Point B has the minimum height \(h\). So, \(GPE_B = mgh_B\) is the smallest.

Answer:

The roller - coaster has the most GPE at point A and the least GPE at point B.