MidLitSci
Energy Transfer in a Roller Coaster

Putting Energy to Work: Read It!

The force of gravity may help get this roller coaster car moving in one direction, but another force—friction—acts in the opposite direction and gradually slows it down.

Now you will read about some of the factors that engineers must consider when designing a roller coaster track.

Read Putting Energy to Work (PDF).

After reading the passage:

  • Name one factor that determines how much potential energy there is in a roller coaster ride.
  • Name one factor that affects how much total energy roller coaster cars contain during a ride.