Roller Coaster Physics

Front

What is acceleration?

Back

An object changing speed or direction.

Front

What causes high g forces in roller coasters?

Back

High g forces are caused by steep drops and rapid changes in speed.

Front

What is friction?

Back

A force that acts in the opposite direction of movement.

Front

How does speed affect kinetic energy?

Back

The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Energy due to motion.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Energy stored in an object due to its position or state.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy increases with mass; more mass means more kinetic energy at the same speed.

Front

What is the formula for kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2.

Front

What happens to potential energy as a roller coaster descends?

Back

Potential energy decreases as the roller coaster descends.

Front

What is the role of gravity in roller coasters?

Back

Gravity pulls the coaster down, converting potential energy to kinetic energy.