Question

when does a roller coaster have the most kinetic energy? 4 1 3 2

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the relationship between kinetic energy and speed

Kinetic energy formula is \(K.E.=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}\), where \(m\) is mass and \(v\) is speed. Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of speed.

Step2: Analyze the roller - coaster's motion

The roller - coaster has the highest speed at the lowest point of its track. At the lowest point (point 3 in the given diagram), the potential energy (which is related to height, \(P.E. = mgh\)) is minimized (since \(h\) is minimum) and the kinetic energy is maximized (because of the conservation of mechanical energy \(E = K.E.+P.E.\), assuming no non - conservative forces like friction to a large extent).

Answer:

3