Roller Coaster Energy

Front

What is gravitational potential energy (PE_g)?

Back

Gravitational potential energy (PE_g) is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated as PE_g = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

How is kinetic energy (KE) defined?

Back

Kinetic energy (KE) is the energy an object has due to its motion, calculated as KE = 1/2 mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

Front

What is the principle of conservation of energy?

Back

The principle of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

How do you calculate work done by a force?

Back

Work done (W) is calculated as W = Fd cos(θ), where F is the force applied, d is the distance moved in the direction of the force, and θ is the angle between the force and the direction of motion.

Front

What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Back

The formula for gravitational potential energy is PE_g = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is height above a reference point.

Front

If a roller coaster has a height of 90 m, what is its potential energy if its mass is 500 kg?

Back

PE_g = mgh = 500 kg * 9.81 m/s² * 90 m = 441450 J.

Front

What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy in a roller coaster?

Back

As a roller coaster descends, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, increasing its speed.

Front

How do you find the velocity of an object if you know its kinetic energy?

Back

To find the velocity (v) from kinetic energy (KE), use the formula v = sqrt(2KE/m), where m is the mass of the object.

Front

What is the work-energy principle?

Back

The work-energy principle states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy.

Front

If a motor does 972000 J of work to lift a roller coaster, what is the potential energy gained?

Back

The potential energy gained is equal to the work done, so PE_g = 972000 J.