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Roller Coasts and Physics
Name: Angelina
Status: student
Age: 13
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
How do rollercoasters relate to Physical Science?
Replies:
Angelina,
Roller coasters are a wonderful example of showing the flow of
energy. Sometimes energy is contained in the gravitational field
(Gravitational Potential Energy), sometimes it is contained in the moving
object (Kinetic Energy), and sometimes it goes to warming things (Thermal
Energy). In a roller coaster system, the train is lifted by a motor. The
energy from the electrical field in the motor flows into the mechanical
energy lifting the roller coaster. This energy in turn flows into the
gravitational field as the train is brought to the top of the lift
hill. At the top of the lift hill, the roller coaster is released, thus
allowing the for the flow of energy from the gravitational field to the
kinetic energy of the train, and back into the gravitational field on the
next hill. Since there is friction, air resistance, etc., some of the
energy flows into thermal energy, and the track, etc. get a little warmer.
Great question!
---Nathan A. Unterman
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