What does the gravitational potential energy of a roller coaster car depend on quizlet?
What does the gravitational potential energy of a roller coaster car depend on quizlet? The gravitational potential energy of an object depends on its mass and height above reference level, while the kinetic energy of an object depends on its mass and velocity.
What are 5 examples of gravitational potential energy?
- A bird sitting on a tree branch.
- A flower pot hanging off of the deck.
- An apple hanging in a tree.
- A plane flying overhead.
What is an example of gravitational potential energy in a roller coaster?
For most roller coasters, the gravitational potential energy of the cars at the peak of the first hill determines the total amount of energy that is available for the rest of the ride. Traditionally, the coaster cars are pulled up the first hill by a chain; as the cars climb, they gain potential energy.
What makes a roller coaster go fast?
According to Kevin Hickerson, a physicist at the California Institute of Technology, “All the energy a roller coaster gets comes from the initial point it's cranked up to, and from there it just gains more and more kinetic energy.” The height of this first drop also determines the speed of the coaster cars.
What effects do gravity and friction have on roller coaster cars?
As they race down the other side of the hill, the potential energy becomes kinetic energy, and gravity takes effect, speeding the cars along the track. Furthermore, while the cars are rolling along the track, the energy from the cars is transferred elsewhere because of friction.