Topic 2.3b – All About Roller Coasters
In this topic we explain the relationship between roller coasters, gravity, potential & kinetic energy. Take your guided notes as you watch the video, complete your games and interactive activities, and make sure you excel on your topic quiz!
Energy & Relationships — Flashcards
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🎮 FSI Courses 8th Grade Science: Potential & Kinetic Energy with Roller Coasters 🎢
🏔️ Potential Energy
💨 Kinetic Energy
Roller Coasters: Potential vs. Kinetic Energy
Aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence (S8P2): Describe and explain energy transformations and how potential and kinetic energy change within a system.
Read: Where does the energy go?
On a roller coaster, the lift hill adds gravitational potential energy (PE) by raising the train higher above the ground. As the train descends, PE transforms into kinetic energy (KE), the energy of motion. At the very top of a tall hill, PE is highest and KE is lowest; at the bottom of a drop, KE is highest. Along the slope, energy transforms continuously, and total mechanical energy is approximately conserved (ignoring friction and air resistance).
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