Energy Tranformations

Consider the rollercoaster coaster layout. Assuming that there is no friction, the total energy of the coaster car would be

• Greatest at location A

• Greatest at location C

• Greatest at location E

• The same at all locations

• Nonsense! It's not predictable

Answer explanation

In a frictionless system, the total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) remains constant. Therefore, the total energy of the coaster car is the same at all locations, making 'The same at all locations' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Consider the rollercoaster coaster layout. Assuming that there is no friction, the kinteic energy (KE) of the coaster car would be

• Greatest at location A

• Greatest at location C

• Greatest at location E

• The same at all locations

• Nonsense! It's not predictable

Answer explanation

The kinetic energy (KE) of the coaster car is greatest at location E, where the car has descended to its lowest point, converting potential energy into kinetic energy. At higher points, KE is lower due to higher potential energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Consider the rollercoaster coaster layout. Assuming that there is no friction, the potential energy (PE) of the coaster car would be

• Greatest at location A

• Greatest at location C

• Greatest at location E

• The same at all locations

• Nonsense! It's not predictable

Answer explanation

The potential energy (PE) of the coaster car is greatest at location A, where it is at the highest point. As the car descends, PE converts to kinetic energy, decreasing at lower points like C and E.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

A roller coaster car starts from rest at location A and travels along the track as shown, At which locations along the track will the car have a speed that is greater than the speed it has at location E? Select all that apply

• B

• D

• F

• G

• C

Answer explanation

The roller coaster car gains speed as it descends due to gravitational potential energy converting to kinetic energy. Locations B, D, and F are lower than E, thus the car will have a greater speed there compared to E.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

A roller coaster car starts from rest at location A and travels along the track as shown, At which locations along the track will the car have a speed that is greater than the speed it has at location E? Select all that apply

• B

• D

• F

• G

• C

Answer explanation

The roller coaster car gains speed as it descends due to gravity. Locations B, D, and F are lower than E, meaning the car will have a greater speed there. Locations C and G are higher or equal, so they won't exceed the speed at E.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

A roller coaster car starts from rest at location A and travels along the track as shown, At which locations along the track will the car have a speed that is greater than the speed it has at location E? Select all that apply

• B

• D

• F

• G

• C

Answer explanation

The roller coaster car gains speed as it descends due to gravitational potential energy converting to kinetic energy. Locations F and C are lower than E, so the car will have a greater speed there compared to E.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

The speed of the roller coaster car at location X will be the same as the speed that it has at location

• A

• C

• E

• D

• B

Answer explanation

The speed of the roller coaster car at location X will be the same as at location A due to the conservation of energy principle, where potential energy converts to kinetic energy, maintaining speed at the same height.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

A rollercoaster car starts from rest at location A and travels along the track as shown. What changes would be observed as the car travels from location A to B to C?

The KE would ​ (a)   . The PE would ​ (b)   . The speed would ​ (c)   . ​

• increase

• decrease

• stay constant

Answer explanation

As the rollercoaster car moves from A to B, its potential energy (PE) decreases due to lower height, while kinetic energy (KE) increases as it speeds up. Thus, KE increases, PE decreases, and speed increases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

Match the followingMatch the three bar charts to the three labeled locations on the track

• Location A

• 
• Location C

• 
• Location B

• 

Answer explanation

Location B is the highest point on the roller coaster so it would have the most potential energy of the three options. Location A is the lowest point on the roller coaster so it would have the most kinetic energy of the three options. Location C is in between both A and B so it would have about 50/50 PE and KE

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

The roller caoster car starts from rest at location A and travels along the track as shown. The car will have its greatest speed at location

• G

• H

• C

• F

• B

Answer explanation

The roller coaster car gains speed as it descends due to gravitational potential energy converting to kinetic energy. At location G, the car is at the lowest point, resulting in the greatest speed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-2