Question Worksheet Student Name__________________
1. What is the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy in a roller coaster?
2. Which of Newton's laws of motion keeps the coaster moving?
3. Play the roller coaster simulation. Where in the ride is the potential energy the greatest? Where is the kinetic energy the greatest?
4. What are the major forces at work in the working of the roller coaster?
5. The main fun of the roller coaster is in the fluctuation (or change) of ____________?
6. What is the key to making any roller coaster work? First try the simulation of the 3 different styles of roller coasters. See if you can spot the problem areas.
7. Why does a roller coaster end on a lower level than where it starts?
8. What role do gravity and inertia play in making a roller coaster work?
9. Can you create a coaster that will give riders thrills, chills, or spills? Check out this site. Use the knowledge you've gained in previous simulations. Draw a sketch of your coaster. What would you name it? In which amusement park would you like the coaster to be?
10.. Choose one of the variables, such as mass or speed. Vary the settings from one extreme to the other. What difference did it make in the ride?
11. After reading the instructions for building the next roller coaster, which height did you choose for your first hill? Your second hill? Why is your choice crucial to the successful completion of your coaster's journey?
12. What is a safe shape for a loop?
13. Read the safety rating for the coaster you built. How did your coaster rate? Modify your design if necessary for safety and thrill factor.
14. Your last challenge is to build a thrilling, yet safe coaster using the knowledge you have gained from previous simulations. After building a successful coaster, manipulate each variable from one extreme to another to see how the coaster ride is affected. What effect does speed, mass, gravity and friction play on a successful coaster ride?
15. What are the main factors that have to be considered when building a thrilling, yet safe coaster?
Created by Linda Mika
Mt. Gallant Elementary
Rock Hill, South Carolina
York District # 3
Created 5/30/03
Last Updated 6/16/03