During a roller coaster ride, how is energy conserved?

During a roller coaster ride, how is energy conserved?

• A. Energy is lost due to friction
• B. Potential and kinetic energy are transformed, keeping total energy constant
• C. Kinetic energy is added at every peak
• D. Energy becomes heat energy from braking

Answer: (B)

In a roller coaster ride, energy conservation is exemplified through the transformation between potential energy and kinetic energy, while the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant (ignoring friction and air resistance for simplicity). As the roller coaster climbs to a peak, it gains potential energy relative to its height. When it descends from that height, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in an increase in speed. This interplay between potential energy and kinetic energy showcases the law of conservation of energy. At various points along the track, the sum of potential and kinetic energy remains constant, leading to a thrilling ride where the coaster accelerates and decelerates as it moves through differently elevated sections. Options that suggest energy is lost or added are not aligned with the principle of conservation of energy in an ideal system. Friction and braking can indeed affect energy, but they do not illustrate the core concept of conservation in terms of potential and kinetic energy transformations throughout the ride.

In a roller coaster ride, energy conservation is exemplified through the transformation between potential energy and kinetic energy, while the total mechanical energy of the system remains constant (ignoring friction and air resistance for simplicity). As the roller coaster climbs to a peak, it gains potential energy relative to its height. When it descends from that height, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, resulting in an increase in speed.

This interplay between potential energy and kinetic energy showcases the law of conservation of energy. At various points along the track, the sum of potential and kinetic energy remains constant, leading to a thrilling ride where the coaster accelerates and decelerates as it moves through differently elevated sections.

Options that suggest energy is lost or added are not aligned with the principle of conservation of energy in an ideal system. Friction and braking can indeed affect energy, but they do not illustrate the core concept of conservation in terms of potential and kinetic energy transformations throughout the ride.