Question #2: Conservation of Energy

Conservation of Energy: Energy of an object cannot change, be created or destroyed, but it can change forms.

Diagram of Roller Coaster Ride

Step 1: When the roller coaster first starts and you are in the sitting position, the rider is experiencing Potential Energy, similar to being on the ground. The larger the roller coaster the higher possibility for Potential Energy.

Step 2: Potential Energy transforms into Kinetic Energy as gravity pulls the cart down the hill. During the transformation the Potential and Kinetic Energy are at their minimum and maximum.

Step 3: Hills following the first hill are usually smaller because Potential Energy decreases and transforms into Kinetic Energy the longer the roller coaster ride. Usually there is more Kinetic Energy than Potential Energy at this step. Friction also plays a part in the stopping process at the end of the roller coaster.