Mistake Master · AP Physics C · Unit 3 · Topic 3.4 · Step-Through Animation
The Flat Line Energy Can’t Cross
Draw the total energy as one flat line across the potential-energy curve. Kinetic energy is just the gap up to it — the cart is fastest where the well is deepest, and turns around exactly where the curve rises to meet the line. Then friction quietly lowers the line.
ENERGY DIAGRAM
Step 1 / 8