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Physics Tutorial: Roller Coaster and Kinetic Energy
The purpose of roller coaster rise is to build up potential (stored) energy. As the roller
coaster gets higher, there is a greater distance that gravity can pull it down. The potential energy that is built going up the track can be released as kinetic energy, as soon as the it starts drifting down the track. The faster the roller coaster goes, the more kinetic energy it has. Kinetic Energy is the energy which an object possesses as a result of being in motion.
The energy attributed to motion is equivalent to the quantity, (.5)mv2. This expression only involves the mass and speed of the object. This expression of the object is known as "Kinetic Energy." Kinetic Energy is a scalar and is measured in Joules when mass is in kilograms and speed is in meters per second.
For example, a 100 kg roller coaster travels at a constant speed of 4.6 m/s around a track which is 20 m across. What is its kinetic energy?
Ek = (.5)mv2
Ek = (.5)(100)(6.4)2 = 2048 J
Kinetic and Potential Energy: Understanding Changes Within Physical Systems
In simple language, these informative books offer explanations of the important concepts high school students encounter in science and physics classes. The series uses easy-to-understand examples throughout, to help students investigate and interpret scientific methodology, theories, and laws. Each title in the series covers a specific concept in physics, including the laws of motion and thermodynamics; kinetic and potential energy; gravity and magnetism; the characteristics of sound; and more. Colorful diagrams and photographs help to make this the perfect series for challenged high school students who might have trouble understanding required high school physics concepts. As part of the required curriculum for physics, this subject can prove difficult for some students. This book, written just for these students in easy-to-read language without oversimplifying the material, uses everyday examples to explain the concepts behind kinetic and potential energy.
Kinetic and Potential Energy: Understanding Changes Within Physical Systems

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