Roller Coasters Research Paper

505 Words3 Pages
Energy can be in two different states. It can either be potential or kinetic energy. In theory, potential energy is considered to be stored energy and kinetic energy is energy in motion. It can be transferred between these two states or between objects. One of the most entertaining ways to experience this work in physics is by riding a roller coaster. These marvels in physics have been around for a long time and the thrills have not stopped. You can experience physics beyond the classroom and take a ride downhill. All roller coasters are practically the same, they involve going through bends, loops and twists at thrilling speeds. The purpose for a roller coaster’s ascent is to build up speed, and in this case to create a supply of potential energy. Most modern roller coaster do not operate using motors or engines, instead they rely on gravity which also includes the two types of energy’s described. The concept of potential energy is simple. As a roller coaster gets higher, gravity can push it down faster at a great distance. The potential energy that is being built while going up the hill will be released as kinetic energy when going downhill taking you down at very quick speeds. This idea is easily represented in roller coasters. Throughout the whole ride you are experiencing physics, but more…show more content…
the obvious observation would be that whenever the car is at the top of the highest hill, that is when the roller coaster possesses the largest amount of potential energy due to the fact that potential energy is dependent upon the mass of the cart and the height of the hill. As the roller coaster descend into the deep fall, they lose much of the potential energy in deal with their loss of elevation. Afterwards, the coaster gain kinetic energy. Kinetic energy relies on the mass and velocity of the object. This transformation of energy results in the original potential energy turning into kinetic

More about Roller Coasters Research Paper

Open Document