Roller Coaster Physics Quiz

What is the fundamental force of the universe that is responsible for turning potential energy into kinetic energy on a roller coaster?

• Weak nuclear force

• Strong nuclear force

• Gravity

• Electromagnetic force

What type of energy is the energy of position, stored in an object sitting still at the top of a hill?

• Mechanical energy

• Kinetic energy

• Thermal energy

• Potential energy

What is the machine used to pull the cars of a roller coaster to the top of a steep slope called?

• Winch

• Lever

• Gear

• Pulley

When roller coaster cars go over the top of the ride's first hill, what force pulls them downwards?

What kind of energy is turned into kinetic energy as the coaster cars zoom down the track?

• Chemical energy

• Thermal energy

• Mechanical energy

• Potential energy

What is the energy of motion called?

What type of energy is turned back into potential energy as the cars climb the next hill?

• Potential energy

• Kinetic energy

• Mechanical energy

• Thermal energy

What kind of energy relies on the force of attraction between all things, felt most strongly as the downward pull of gravity?

• Mechanical energy

• Potential energy

• Thermal energy

• Kinetic energy