Question

What are the energy conversions that take place during a roller- coaster ride?

Answer 1

Work, Gravitational Potential Energy, and Kinetic Energy

Explanation:

Work adds energy into the system when the roller coaster is dragged to the top.

At the top, the coaster has max GPE and is basically stopped, so KE = 0.

Then, when the coaster starts to go downhill, the GPE is converted to KE. So, KE increases and GPE decreases. Then, as the coaster starts to roll up a hill (under it's own power, not dragged up by a chain), the KE will decrease and GPE will increase

Note that everywhere along the trip Total Energy = GPE + KE.