7th Grade STEM Rollercoaster Design Physics

What type of energy is stored in a rollercoaster at the top of a hill?

• Kinetic Energy

• Potential Energy

• Thermal Energy

• Chemical Energy

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes potential energy?

• Energy of motion

• Energy stored due to position

• Energy from the sun

• Energy stored in chemical bonds

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DOK Level 1: Recall

If a rollercoaster is moving downhill, what happens to its kinetic energy?

• It increases

• It decreases

• It remains the same

• It turns into potential energy

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Explain how energy conservation is demonstrated in a rollercoaster ride.

• Energy is created and destroyed as needed

• Energy is transferred between potential and kinetic forms

• Energy is only in the form of kinetic energy

• Energy is lost as sound energy

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What happens to the total mechanical energy of a rollercoaster if we ignore friction and air resistance?

• It increases

• It decreases

• It remains constant

• It turns into sound energy

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe the energy transformation that occurs as a rollercoaster car moves from the top of a hill to the bottom.

• Kinetic energy to potential energy

• Potential energy to kinetic energy

• Chemical energy to thermal energy

• Thermal energy to potential energy

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why is it important for engineers to understand the principles of energy conservation when designing rollercoasters?

• To ensure the ride is fast

• To ensure the ride is safe and efficient

• To make the ride colorful

• To reduce the cost of materials

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does the height of a rollercoaster hill affect the potential energy of the car at the top?

• Higher hills decrease potential energy

• Higher hills increase potential energy

• Height has no effect on potential energy

• Higher hills decrease kinetic energy

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

If a rollercoaster car is moving at a constant speed on a flat track, what can be said about its kinetic and potential energy?

• Kinetic energy is increasing, potential energy is constant

• Kinetic energy is constant, potential energy is zero

• Both kinetic and potential energy are increasing

• Both kinetic and potential energy are decreasing

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What force is primarily responsible for converting potential energy into kinetic energy as a rollercoaster descends a hill?

• Friction

• Gravity

• Centripetal Force

• Air Resistance

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DOK Level 1: Recall