6.8A Intervention Questions

Roller coasters are popular attractions at amusement parks. A cart on a roller coaster approaches the highest point on the coaster. As the cart reaches the top, it slows down. Which statement best describes the energy of the roller coaster as it slows down whiletraveling to the top of the coaster?

• The cart gains both kinetic and potential energy.

• The cart gains kinetic energy and loses potential energy.

• The cart loses kinetic energy and gains potential energy.

• The cart loses both kinetic and potential energy.

A demonstration helps students understand a principle of roller coaster design. Which answer choice correctly describes the ball's kinetic and potential energy?

• The ball has more potential energy at position X than at position Z.

• The ball has more kinetic energy at position Y than at position W.

• The potential energy and kinetic energy of the ball are equal at position X.

• The potential energy and kinetic energy of the ball are greatest at position Z.

A marble is given potential energy by being placed at Location W. When the marble isreleased, it rolls down the track. At which location does the marble have maximum kinetic energy?

A bicycle rider is traveling up a hill. When the rider reaches the top of the hill, she stops to rest. Then she travels down the hill. The diagram shows the rider in the three different positions.Which of these correctly describes the potential energy and the kinetic energy of the bicycle rider?

• When the rider is at the top of the hill, her potential energy is the greatest, and her kinetic energy is the least.

• As the rider moves up the hill, her kinetic energy increases, and her potential energy decreases.

• When the rider goes down the hill, her potential energy increases, and her kinetic energy decreases.

• As the rider reaches the bottom of the hill, her kinetic energy and her potential energy decrease.