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Mechanical energy is used on the chains that pull the roller coaster cars up the tallest incline, which is typically located at the start of the track. Mechanical energy is also used in the braking system that slows the cars to a stop at the end of the track.
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∙ 13y ago
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When does a roller coaster increase kinetic energy?
The roller coaster increases kinetic energy when its velocity is increasing.
Where is potential energy the highest on a roller coaster?
When the roller coaster is at its highest position and is not moving then its potential energy is highest
What kind of energy keeps the roller coaster down the hill?
Kinetic energy
What kind of energy happens when a roller coaster reaches the very top of the track just brfore it starts back down?
At that point the roller coaster car has maximum potential energy and zero kinetic energy.
Would a corkscrew on a roller coaster be potential energy or kinetic?
both!
How much mechanical energy is at the top of a roller coaster?
It depends on the roller coaster's height,speed,and location. :p
What are energy conversions on a roller coaster?
electrical energy to sound, mechanical energy
The conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy demonstrates the what?
mechanical energy
Electrical energy is transferred to mechanical energy when?
When electrical energy is used to operate an electric motor or machine that produces mechanical energy. A good example of this is a roller coaster.
Does a roller coaster have more potential energy at the top of the hill or at the bottom?
A roller coaster has more potential energy at the bottom. There are 2 types of energy, potential and kinetic. energy closer to a surface or floor is potential energy and objects in the middle of it all has kinetic energy.
On a Roller Coaster where is the potential energy?
When the roller coaster is at its highest position and is not moving then its potential energy is highest
Where is potential energy on a roller coaster?
When the roller coaster is at its highest position and is not moving then its potential energy is highest
When does a roller coaster increase kinetic energy?
The roller coaster increases kinetic energy when its velocity is increasing.
How much money does a roller coaster designer make?
Roller coasters are designed by engineers. Roller coaster engineers make anywhere between $45,000 and $119,000 per year. Most roller coaster engineers are mechanical engineers and the median salary for mechanical engineers is $74,920.
How does the law of conservation-of energy relate to roller coasters?
It is easier to see this using a traditional roller coaster model. Most traditional Roller Coasters start by using a tow cable to pull them up a large "hill". When being pulled up this hill, mechanical energy is being used to give the roller coaster potential energy. At the top of this hill, the roller coaster has it's maximum potential energy. As it starts to go down another hill, it picks up speed. During the descent it is losing potential energy but at the same time gaining kinetic energy. The coaster will then lose kinetic energy but gain potential energy as it goes up the next hill. This cycle of gaining/losing potential and kinetic energy is the conservation of energy that you are looking for. Of course in a real roller coaster, some energy will be lost due to friction. This will come off as heat in the rails and the wheels of the roller coaster and it's structure.
Where is the kinetic energy the highest on a roller coaster?
The cars of a roller coaster reach their maximum kinetic energy when at the bottom of their path.
Is a roller coaster the only example of a closed energy system?
No, the roller coaster is not the only example of a closed energy system.
