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Energy Transformation

Energy is constantly being transformed between potential and kinetic.

Potential energy-

the higher up, the more energy they store
Mostly gained in the initial climb

Kinetic Energy-

potential energy turns into kinetic energy
further the coaster goes down the hill, the faster it goes

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Forces

Friction-

when the wheels rub against the track
Slows the roller coaster down

Air Resistance-

Slows the roller coaster down

Gravity-

pulls straight down
pulls you forward when racing down a hill
pulls backward when you climb

Normal-

The track holding the cars

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Changing Variables

Height of hills-

Can affect the potential and kinetic energy

Length of track-

Requires more potential energy

Mass of the coaster-

Provides more potential and kinetic energy

Speed of the coaster-

Requires more kinetic energy

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Why don’t the cars of a roller coaster fly off the track?

Friction and air resistance slows the roller coaster down.
Gravity pushes the cars onto the track.
The wheels are connected to the track.
Most roller coasters have brakes at the end.

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Why don’t passengers fly out of the cars?

Gravity is counteracted by the force of acceleration, which is the force that pushes you forward.
Also, most roller coasters have safety restraints.

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References

(n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2016, from http://science.howstuffworks.com/engineering/structural/roller-coaster4.htm

Energy Transformation on a Roller Coaster. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2016, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/energy/ce.cfm

Rollercoasters. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2016, from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/rollercoasters.html