Question

which example describes an increase in potential energy?

○ a roller coaster moving down the track

○ a paint can being carried up a ladder

○ a bicycle going down a hill

○ a basketball falling through a net

Explanation:

Potential energy (gravitational) depends on height ($PE = mgh$). When height increases, $PE$ increases. A paint can carried up a ladder gains height, so its potential energy increases. The other options involve moving down (decreasing height, so $PE$ decreases).

Answer:

B. a paint can being carried up a ladder