The Energy of Roller Coasters

Last updated about 3 years ago
11 questions
Research Question:
How do roller coasters use energy to work?
Directions:
1. Watch the video about roller coaster physics.
2. Answer the questions that follow.
1

What is potential energy?

1

How does a roller coaster get potential energy?

1

How can you increase a roller coaster's potential energy?

1

At what point does a roller coaster cart have its greatest amount of potential energy?

1

What is kinetic energy?

1

How does a roller coaster get kinetic energy?

1

When does a roller coaster have its greatest amount of kinetic energy?

1

Why does a roller coaster slow down as it goes uphill?

1

When does a roller coaster's kinetic energy turn back into potential energy?

1

Friction (resistance) between the track and the cart's wheels cause a lot of the cart's energy to convert into ___.

1

How can you increase a roller coaster's speed?