Final answer:
The kinetic energy of the roller coaster is greater at the top of the lower hill, as the decrease in gravitational potential energy due to the lower height must be compensated by an increase in kinetic energy to conserve mechanical energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the conservation of mechanical energy in the context of a roller coaster without considering losses due to friction. Mechanical energy is conserved in a closed system, which comprises both kinetic energy (KE) and gravitational potential energy (PEg). At the top of the first hill, the roller coaster has a maximum amount of PEg and a small amount of KE due to its slow speed.
As the coaster goes downhill, PEg is converted into KE, and the speed increases. When the roller coaster climbs to the top of a lower hill, some of this KE is reconverted into PEg, and the coaster slows down. Consequently, because the second hill is lower, it will have less PEg and therefore must have more KE to maintain mechanical energy conservation.
Comparing the kinetic energy at the tops of both hills, the KE at the top of the lower hill is greater than at the top of the first hill because there's less PEg due to the lower height and mechanical energy has to remain constant, thus KE is higher to compensate.