But overall, you've got the right idea.

[physicsman2]

Homework Statement

How does a roller coaster demonstrate the law of conservation of energy by the transfer of potential energy to kinetic energy

Homework Equations

KE=PE

The Attempt at a Solution

i believe that as the roller coaster descends down the hill the potential energy changes into kinetic energy where the amount of potential energy at the top of the hill is equal to the kinetic energy just as it hits the bottom

i think this is right but i have a feeling there is more to it than this

 

[LowlyPion]

Sounds right to me.

The key element of a roller-coaster is in its name even Rolling. Coasting. Low frictional loss activities, because of course frictional loss is the enemy of the pure translation of Potential energy to Kinetic motion.

 

[nlightner]

Yes, you are correct in your understanding of the transfer of energy in a roller coaster. The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. In the case of a roller coaster, the potential energy (stored energy due to its height) is converted into kinetic energy (energy of motion) as the roller coaster descends down a hill. The amount of potential energy at the top of the hill is equal to the kinetic energy at the bottom, as you mentioned. This is because energy is conserved in the system, with no energy being lost or gained during the transfer. In addition, the roller coaster also demonstrates the conversion of mechanical energy (potential and kinetic) to thermal energy due to friction and air resistance, further illustrating the law of conservation of energy.