A cart at the top of a hill is released and rolls down the hill. Which of the following describes the energy of the cart just as it reaches the bottom of the hill?
A)The cart has no energy.
B)The cart has maximum kinetic energy.
C)The cart has maximum gravitational potential energy.
D)The cart has equal gravitational potential and kinetic energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the cart rolls down the hill, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Just as it reaches the bottom of the hill, its potential energy is at a minimum (essentially zero if we're considering the bottom as the reference point), and its kinetic energy is at a maximum because it is moving at its fastest speed.

A Cart at the Top of a Hill Is Released