1. Why is the energy that results from a roller coaster's position at the top of a hill referred to as potential energy? Type your answer here.

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The energy that results from a roller coaster's position at the top of a hill is referred to as potential energy because it is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to other objects. In the case of the roller coaster, when it is at the top of a hill, it has a high elevation compared to the ground. This elevation creates a gravitational force acting on the coaster, which has the potential to do work as the coaster descends.

Potential energy is calculated using the formula:

$$
PE = mgh
$$

where:
- $$PE$$ is the potential energy,
- $$m$$ is the mass of the roller coaster,
- $$g$$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and
- $$h$$ is the height above the ground.

As the roller coaster moves down from the hill, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. Thus, potential energy is a measure of the energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field.
The energy at the top of a hill is called potential energy because it's stored energy due to the roller coaster's height, which can be converted into motion as it moves down.

Why is the energy that results from a
roller coaster’s position at the top of a hill
referred to as potential energy?
Type your answer here.

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Why is the energy that results from a roller coaster’s position at the top of a hill referred to as potential energy? Type your answer here.