Roller Coaster Energy & Physics

The roller coaster is a perfect example of which type or types of energy?

• Kinetic 
• Potential
• Both

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

At the top of a loop there is more of this type of energy?

• Potential
• Kinetic

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

At the end of a loop on a roller coaster there is less of this type of energy?

• Potential
• Kinetic

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-2

Force is equal to mass times acceleration, F=ma. If we increase the mass of a roller coaster by adding multiple cars for the people to ride in then we need to increase which type of energy?

• Kinetic
• Potential

What is the force that pushes us to the ground and helps keep the cars on the roller coaster from flying off the tracks?

• Gravity

• Inertia

• Motion

Potential energy is dependent upon the mass (weight) of the object and how high the object is off of the ground (height).

• True

• False

The coaster car's large quantity of potential energy is due to the fact that they are elevated to a large height above the ground. 

• True
• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Gravity and friction help roller coaster cars stay on the track.

• False

• True

If you increase the mass of a roller coaster ride by adding coaster cars then you might have to increase the speed if you have multiple loops. 

• True
• False

Which hill on a roller coaster should be the tallest?

• The first hill should be tallest.

• The last hill should be tallest.

• It doesn't matter. Any hill can be any height.