The Next Great Scream Machine review

When energy is being stored and not used, what type of energy is it?

• Kinetic energy

• Positive energy

• Negative energy

• Potential energy

Which type of energy describes a person eating an apple?

• light

• thermal

• radiant

• chemical

Which type of energy describes a moving swing on the playground?

• thermal

• electric

• kinetic

• sound

Which type of energy allows us to feel the temperature get higher?

• light

• heat or thermal

• radiant

• chemical

What is mechanical energy?

• stored energy

• energy in motion

• the sum of its energy in motion and its stored motion

• none of the above

What two factors or things affect the acceleration of a roller coaster?

Answer explanation

The acceleration of a roller coaster is primarily affected by two factors: gravity and friction. Gravity pulls the roller coaster down the slopes, increasing its speed and thus its acceleration. Friction, on the other hand, works against the motion of the roller coaster, slowing it down and decreasing its acceleration. These two forces work in tandem to create the thrilling experience of a roller coaster ride.

Why is the first hill on a roller coaster the highest point in the coaster?

Answer explanation

The first hill on a roller coaster is the highest point because it provides the initial potential energy needed for the coaster to complete its circuit. The coaster gains kinetic energy as it descends the first hill, which is then converted back into potential energy as it climbs subsequent hills. The first hill being the highest ensures that the coaster has enough energy to overcome friction and other energy losses throughout the ride.

From where is it believed did roller coasters have their origins or beginnings?

Answer explanation

Roller coasters are believed to have their origins from the so-called 'Russian Mountains'. These were specially constructed hills of ice, located especially around Saint Petersburg, Russia. The slides were built to a height of between 70 and 80 feet, had a 50-degree drop, and were reinforced by wooden supports. This is considered the earliest form of a roller coaster.

Where was the first American coaster?

Answer explanation

The first American roller coaster was located at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. It was called the Switchback Railway and was built in 1884 by LaMarcus Adna Thompson. The coaster was a wooden structure and reached speeds of up to 6 miles per hour, providing an exciting ride for its time.

As a roller coaster is being pulled up a hill by a motor, it is storing more and more _______ energy.

• kinetic

• chemical

• potential

• thermal

Answer explanation

As a roller coaster is being pulled up a hill by a motor, it is storing more and more potential energy. This is because the coaster is gaining height and thus increasing its gravitational potential energy, which will be converted into kinetic energy as it descends the hill.