Question

The roller coaster ride starts from rest at point A. Rank these quantities from greatest to least at each point for speed (if two options are equal, rank them alphabetically). a) Point A b) Point B c) Point C d) Point D

Answer 1

The roller coaster speeds are ranked from greatest to least at each point A, B, C, and D based on the energy transformations happening in the ride.

Step-by-step explanation:

To rank the quantities from greatest to least at each point for speed, we need to consider the energy transformations happening along the roller coaster ride.

At point D, the roller coaster is at its lowest point and has the highest speed. This is because at the lowest point, the roller coaster has the highest potential energy, which is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in the highest speed.

Next, at point B, the roller coaster is higher up the track, so it has less potential energy, leading to a slightly lower speed compared to point D.

At point C, the roller coaster is even higher up and has less potential energy compared to points D and B, resulting in a further decrease in speed.

Finally, at point A, the roller coaster is at its highest point with the least potential energy, leading to the lowest speed along the ride.

Answer 2

Ranking from greatest to least speed:
a) Point A

c) Point C

b) Point B

d) Point D

What is speed?

Speed defines the velocity of an object's movement or the swiftness with which it traverses a given distance. As a scalar quantity, it solely represents magnitude (numerical value) and lacks directional attributes. Speed is commonly quantified in units like meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph), and similar measurements.

From the image below we can see that the roller coaster moves at a great speed from point A as it descends the hill. Point B and D share the same speed. At point C, the roller coaster gain more speed as it descends another hill (smaller hill compared to point A)