Rollercoasters: Potential Energy And Kinetic Energy

Rollercoasters have different types of forces involved. Two of the main forces experienced are called potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is the energy an object has depending on the position of it. For example the higher an object is the higher the potential energy is and the lower an object is the less potential energy it will have. Kinetic energy is also a main type of force that is involved with rollercoasters. Kinetic energy is the energy an object will have as it is in motion.
There are many different types of rollercoasters, some with hills, others with loops and turns. As a rollercoaster is approaching a hill the rollercoaster is increasing its potential energy. Once at the top of the hill the rollercoaster has the maximum number of potential energy. But since the rollercoaster is gaining potential energy it is also losing kinetic energy. As the rollercoaster goes over the hill its kinetic energy is increasing because gravity is pulling the coaster down the hill which increases the acceleration/speed. Remember the greater the potential energy the less kinetic energy an object will have and the greater the kinetic energy the less potential energy an object will have.
There are many safety features a rollercoaster designer incorporates in todays rollercoasters. Some of these safety features include things such as compressed air brakes, safety belts or harness, and chains including many more. Seatbelts help keep the passengers from falling off or flying as the rollercoaster is gaining speed. Compressed air breaks are also another safety feature of a rollercoaster. They can be managed through computers etc. They will prevent a rollercoaster from