Energy in a Roller Coaster Ride: Play It!
The change in form between potential and kinetic energy continues throughout the roller coaster ride. Each time the cars ascend (climb) a hill, some kinetic energy converts into potential energy. Then, some of this potential energy converts back each time the cars descend.
In this interactive activity, a pie chart shows how energy changes back and forth between potential energy and kinetic energy throughout a ride. Click the image on the left to begin. Click "Play" to view the full ride once. Then click "Step" to review each part of the ride to see the changes between potential and kinetic energy.
At what point on the roller coaster ride is there the greatest amount of potential energy? At this same spot, what is the amount of kinetic energy? Write one to two sentences to explain your answers.
