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History
A roller coaster train going down hill represents merely a complex case as a body is descending an inclined plane. Newton's first two laws relate force and acceleration, which are key concepts in roller coaster physics. At amusement parks, Newton's laws can be applied to every ride. These rides range from 'The Swings' to The 'Hammer'. Newton was also one of the developers of calculus which is essential to analyzing falling bodies constrained on more complex paths than inclined planes. A roller coaster rider is in an gravitational field except with the Principle of Equivalence.
Potential Energy
Potential energy is the same as stored energy. The "stored" energy is held within the gravitational field. When you lift a heavy object you exert energy which later will become kinetic energy when the object is dropped. A lift motor from a roller coaster exerts potential energy when lifting the train to the top of the hill. The higher the train is lifted by the motor the more potential energy is produced; thus, forming a greater amount if kinetic energy when the train is dropped. At the top of the hills the train has a huge amount of potential energy, but it has very little kinetic energy.
Kinetic Energy
The word "kinetic" is derived from the Greek word meaning to move, and the word "energy" is the ability to move. Thus, "kinetic energy" is the energy of motion --it's ability to do work. The faster the body moves the more kinetic energy is produced. The greater the mass and speed of an object the more kinetic energy there will be. As the train accelerates down the hill the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. There is very little potential energy at the bottom of the hill, but there is a great amount of kinetic energy.
Theory
When the train is at the top and bottom of the hill there is not any potential or kinetic energy being used at all. The train at the bottom of the first drop should have enough energy to get back up the height of the lift hill. The "Act of Faith" in riding these amazing rides which seems more of a phenomena that is only a theory. In practices, the train never could make it back up the hill because of dissipative forces. Friction and air resistance, and even possible mid-course breaks, are dissipative forces causing the theory to be changed but not destroyed. These forces make it impossible for the train to have enough energy to make it back up the lift hill's height. In the absence of the dissipative forces the potential and kinetic energies(mechanical energy) will remain the same. Since the mechanical energy is destroyed by the forces, the first hill is always the highest
What else can I help you with?
When an object that is falling loose potential energy what is this transformed into?
The potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, heat and sometimes sound.
Where does potential energy go when it is converted into kinetic energy?
When potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, it is transformed into the energy of motion.
Is energy at rest potential or kinetic energy?
Energy at rest is potential energy. It is stored energy that has the potential to be transformed into kinetic energy when an object is in motion.
Can potential energy be transformed?
Yes, potential energy can be transformed into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy, thermal energy, or electrical energy. For example, when an object falls from a height, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
How is kinetic energy transformed into potential energy?
Kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy when an object is lifted against gravity. As the object gains height, its potential energy increases while its kinetic energy decreases. This transformation occurs as work is done to move the object vertically.
When an object that is falling loose potential energy what is this transformed into?
The potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, heat and sometimes sound.
Can potential energy transformed into kinetic energy?
Yes
Where does potential energy go when it is converted into kinetic energy?
When potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, it is transformed into the energy of motion.
Is energy at rest potential or kinetic energy?
Energy at rest is potential energy. It is stored energy that has the potential to be transformed into kinetic energy when an object is in motion.
Can potential energy be transformed?
Yes, potential energy can be transformed into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy, thermal energy, or electrical energy. For example, when an object falls from a height, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
How is kinetic energy transformed into potential energy?
Kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy when an object is lifted against gravity. As the object gains height, its potential energy increases while its kinetic energy decreases. This transformation occurs as work is done to move the object vertically.
How does a hydroelectric dam change the type of energy?
There are several. Gravitational potential energy is transformed into linear kinetic energy, which is then transformed into rotational kinetic energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy.
How does the law of the conservation of energy pertain to kinetic and potential energy?
The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can not be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed. So, kinetic energy is not created, it is transformed from potential energy, and vice versa.
Can Potential energy be transformed into kinetic energy?
Yes.
How do you think energy is transformed in the drop tower?
In the drop tower, potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy as the object falls. As the object accelerates towards the ground, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. At the moment of impact, the kinetic energy is transformed into other forms of energy, such as sound or heat.
How is gravitational potential energy transformed into kinetic energy?
Gravitational potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy when an object falls due to gravity. As the object moves downward, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. This conversion occurs as the object gains speed and its motion accelerates towards the ground.
How is potential energy transformed into kinetic energy?
Potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy when an object loses height and gains speed due to the force of gravity. As an object falls, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the object's speed increases. This conversion is governed by the law of conservation of energy, where the total energy in a system remains constant.
