Question

explaining differences in potential energy
explain why the roller coaster’s potential energy is greater at point 1 than at point 4.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall potential - energy formula

The formula for gravitational potential energy is $U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is height.

Step2: Compare heights

Assume the mass $m$ of the roller - coaster and the value of $g$ are constant. If the height $h_1$ of point 1 is greater than the height $h_4$ of point 4 (i.e., $h_1>h_4$), then according to the formula $U = mgh$, $U_1=mgh_1$ and $U_4 = mgh_4$, so $U_1>U_4$.

Answer:

The roller - coaster's potential energy is greater at point 1 than at point 4 because the height of point 1 is greater than the height of point 4, and since potential energy $U = mgh$ (with mass $m$ and gravitational acceleration $g$ constant), a greater height results in greater potential energy.