Roller Coaster Energy
EE = Electrical energy
PE = Gravitational Potential Energy
KE = Kinetic Energy
HE = Heat Energy (Thermal energy)
Electric motor does work to move & lift car EE from motor = KE + PE gained by the car
EE
PE
KE
Car has Potential Energy
No friction
P E = K E No heat lost Car goes on for ever
PE
KE
Brakes transfer kinetic energy to heat PE = KE = HE
Brakes turn KE to HE
Brakes
PE
KE
HE
Height provides potential energy for the ride PE = KE = PE + KE = KE = HE (friction)
Brakes
PE
KE
Second hill higher than the start PE = KE = PE Not enough to go over top
PE
KE
Enough energy to loop the loop Must be enough speed at top of loop
Brakes
PE
KE