At which point does a roller coaster typically reach its peak speed?

A roller coaster typically reaches its peak speed at the base of the first drop. When the coaster begins its initial descent after climbing to the highest point, gravity plays a crucial role in accelerating the train. As the coaster drops, potential energy—which was built up during the ascent—is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in maximum speed as the coaster reaches the lowest point of the drop.

The other choices do not represent the point of maximum speed accurately. The start of the ride generally involves getting to the top of a lift hill and does not reflect the speed gained from descending. At the top of the first drop, the coaster has not yet begun to accelerate due to gravity, so the speed is not at its peak. During the final turn, speed may start to decrease due to banking and friction, and it is not where the highest speed is typically experienced.