Rollercoaster Physics Fundamentals Flashcard

Front

What is critical velocity?

Back

The speed needed at the top of a loop for a car on a rollercoaster to make it through the loop without falling off the track.

Front

At the top of a rollercoaster, is a stationary cart's kinetic energy at its minimum?

Back

True

Front

What is acceleration?

Back

How quickly an object speeds up, slows down or changes direction.

Front

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Back

Speed is how fast an object moves, while velocity includes both speed and the direction.

Front

The greater the mass of an object, what happens to its inertia?

Back

The greater its inertia.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

The energy of an object in motion.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

The stored energy of an object due to its position or state.

Front

What is inertia?

Back

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Front

What is gravitational force?

Back

The force of attraction between two masses, such as the Earth and an object.

Front

What is the formula for calculating speed?

Back

Speed = Distance / Time.