What powers the ride?
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IMG_1250.MOVThe Law of Conservation of Energy
The Law of Conservation of Energy
The law of conservation of energy states that within a closed system, energy can change form, but it cannot be created or destroyed. In other words, the total amount of energy remains constant. On a roller coaster, energy changes from potential to kinetic energy and back again many times over the course of a ride.
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is energy that an object has as a result of its motion. All moving objects possess kinetic energy, which is determined by the mass and speed of the object.
Potential Energy
Potential Energy
Potential energy is the energy an object has as a result of its position. Gravitational potential energy is potential energy that results from an object's position in a gravitational field, and is equal to the object's weight multiplied by its height. For example, a book placed on a shelf possesses gravitational potential energy because of Earth's gravity. If the book were moved to a higher shelf, it would gain potential energy.
Check out the Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy Simulator below. Press the "Play" button to start.
Traditionally, the coaster cars are pulled up the first hill by a chain; as the cars climb, they gain potential energy.
When the cars are released from the chain and begin coasting down the hill, potential energy transforms into kinetic energy until they reach the bottom of the hill. As the cars ascend the next hill, some kinetic energy is transformed back into potential energy.
Then, when the cars descend this hill, potential energy is again changed to kinetic energy. This conversion between potential and kinetic energy continues throughout the ride.
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