Roller Coaster Physics

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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What is the energy of motion called?

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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

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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

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