In roller coaster terminology, what does "hang time" refer to?

"Hang time" refers to the feeling of weightlessness experienced at the apex of an inversion, such as a loop or roll, where riders momentarily pause before descending. This sensation occurs because, at the top of the inversion, the roller coaster's speed decreases, and riders experience a brief moment where the forces acting on them are less than the force of gravity. This creates a unique thrill, as it gives riders the sense of suspending in mid-air before the coaster plunges downwards.

The other options relate to different aspects of the roller coaster experience, but they do not capture the specific sensation of weightlessness that characterizes hang time. The duration of the ride, the time spent climbing a hill, and the moments of auditory excitement, while they contribute to the overall experience, do not define "hang time" in roller coaster terminology.