Table of contents

0. Math Review31m
- Math Review
  31m
1. Intro to Physics Units1h 29m
2. 1D Motion / Kinematics3h 56m
3. Vectors2h 43m
4. 2D Kinematics1h 42m
5. Projectile Motion3h 6m
6. Intro to Forces (Dynamics)3h 22m
7. Friction, Inclines, Systems2h 44m
8. Centripetal Forces & Gravitation7h 26m
9. Work & Energy1h 59m
10. Conservation of Energy2h 54m
11. Momentum & Impulse3h 40m
12. Rotational Kinematics2h 59m
13. Rotational Inertia & Energy7h 4m
14. Torque & Rotational Dynamics2h 5m
15. Rotational Equilibrium3h 39m
16. Angular Momentum3h 6m
17. Periodic Motion2h 9m
18. Waves & Sound3h 40m
19. Fluid Mechanics4h 27m
20. Heat and Temperature3h 7m
21. Kinetic Theory of Ideal Gases1h 50m
22. The First Law of Thermodynamics1h 26m
23. The Second Law of Thermodynamics3h 11m
24. Electric Force & Field; Gauss' Law3h 42m
25. Electric Potential1h 51m
26. Capacitors & Dielectrics2h 2m
27. Resistors & DC Circuits3h 8m
28. Magnetic Fields and Forces2h 23m
29. Sources of Magnetic Field2h 30m
30. Induction and Inductance3h 38m
31. Alternating Current2h 37m
32. Electromagnetic Waves2h 14m
33. Geometric Optics2h 57m
34. Wave Optics1h 15m
35. Special Relativity2h 10m

9. Work & Energy

Intro to Energy & Kinetic Energy

Physics

9. Work & Energy

Intro to Energy & Kinetic Energy

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Physics?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

In the photo, a roller coaster is at the top of a hill. What is happening in terms of kinetic energy and potential energy?

The roller coaster has equal amounts of kinetic and potential energy.

The roller coaster has maximum kinetic energy and minimum potential energy.

The roller coaster has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy.

The roller coaster has no kinetic energy and no potential energy.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of potential energy: Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to some zero position. For a roller coaster at the top of a hill, this is gravitational potential energy, which is given by the formula:

E p_{g} = m g h

, where

m

is mass,

g

is acceleration due to gravity, and

h

is height.

Understand the concept of kinetic energy: Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, given by the formula:

E k_{g} = \frac{1}{2} m v^{2}

, where

m

is mass and

v

is velocity.

At the top of the hill, the roller coaster is momentarily at rest before descending, meaning its velocity is zero. Therefore, its kinetic energy is at a minimum (zero).

Since the roller coaster is at the highest point, its height is at a maximum, which means its potential energy is at a maximum.

Thus, at the top of the hill, the roller coaster has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy, as it is not moving and is at the highest point in its path.