Roller Coasters and Energy

What is potential energy?

• Energy in motion

• Stored energy

• Force of gravity

• Mechanical energy

What happens to potential energy as a roller coaster climbs higher?

• It decreases

• It stays the same

• It increases

• It transforms into kinetic energy

What is kinetic energy?

• Energy in motion

• Stored energy

• Force of gravity

• Mechanical energy

What happens to kinetic energy as a roller coaster slows down?

• It decreases

• It stays the same

• It increases

• It transforms into potential energy

What causes a roller coaster to slow down?

• Friction

• Force of gravity

• Potential energy

• Mechanical energy

What is the force that accelerates a roller coaster back to the ground?

• Friction

• Force of gravity

• Potential energy

• Mechanical energy

What is the purpose of brake runs on roller coasters?

• To increase potential energy

• To absorb kinetic energy

• To increase speed

• To generate mechanical energy

What type of brakes does Nitro use?

• Magnetic and friction brakes

• Only magnetic brakes

• Only friction brakes

• No brakes

What causes energy loss in a roller coaster?

• Friction

• Force of gravity

• Potential energy

• Mechanical energy

What is wind resistance?

• The force of gravity on a roller coaster

• The force that slows down a roller coaster due to air

• The stored energy in a roller coaster

• The ability of a roller coaster to do work