Question

a bicyclist is stopped at the entrance to a valley, as sketched below: image of a bicyclists path with points a, b, c, d, e, f where would the bicyclist have the highest potential energy? select where would the bicyclist have the lowest potential energy? select where would the bicyclist have the highest kinetic energy? select where would the bicyclist have the highest speed? select would the bicyclist’s kinetic energy be higher at a or b? select would the bicyclist’s potential energy be higher at a or b? select would the bicyclist’s total energy be higher at a or b? select suppose the bicyclist lets off the brakes and coasts down into the valley without pedaling. even if there is no friction or air resistance to slow her down, what is the farthest point the bicyclist could reach without pedaling? select

Explanation:

Potential energy (PE) depends on height: $PE = mgh$, so higher points have more PE. Kinetic energy (KE) is related to speed; without friction, PE converts to KE, so lowest PE points have highest KE/speed. Total energy is conserved (no friction), so it’s equal at A and B. The farthest point reachable equals the initial height (A) due to energy conservation.

Answer:

Where would the bicyclist have the highest potential energy? A
Where would the bicyclist have the lowest potential energy? D
Where would the bicyclist have the highest kinetic energy? D
Where would the bicyclist have the highest speed? D
Would the bicyclist’s kinetic energy be higher at A or B? B
Would the bicyclist’s potential energy be higher at A or B? A
Would the bicyclist’s total energy be higher at A or B? Equal
Suppose the bicyclist lets off the brakes and coasts down into the valley without pedaling. Even if there is no friction or air resistance to slow her down, what is the farthest point the bicyclist could reach without pedaling? A (or a point at the same height as A)