What happens to a rollercoaster's motion in terms of energy when it goes over a second hill that is higher than the first hill.I think it is because the kinetic energy does not have the momentum so when converted into PE, it can't make it over a higher hill. Coorect or all wrong?

Thanks you

correct.

Thank you!!

When a roller coaster goes over a second hill that is higher than the first hill, the initial kinetic energy of the roller coaster is gradually converted into potential energy as it goes up the second hill. This process occurs because the roller coaster experiences a decrease in speed as it climbs the hill. However, the roller coaster can still make it over the higher hill if certain conditions are met.

First, let's understand the concepts of kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE). Kinetic energy is the energy of motion and is given by the equation KE = 1/2 * mass * velocity^2. Potential energy, on the other hand, is the energy stored in an object due to its position or height relative to a reference point and is given by the equation PE = mass * gravitational acceleration * height.

As the roller coaster approaches the second hill, it has both kinetic energy (from its motion) and potential energy (from its height above the ground). As it climbs the second hill, some of the kinetic energy is gradually converted into potential energy. This conversion of energy is due to the work done by the force of gravity, which acts against the roller coaster's motion and slows it down.

If the height of the second hill is lower than the height the roller coaster reached during the first hill, then indeed the roller coaster may not have enough potential energy to make it over the second hill. In this case, the roller coaster's kinetic energy would have been significantly reduced, and it may come to a stop before reaching the top of the hill. Consequently, it would not have enough energy to complete the upward movement.

However, if the height of the second hill is greater than the height the roller coaster reached during the first hill, it is still possible for the roller coaster to make it over the second hill. This outcome depends on the initial speed and the magnitude of the potential energy gained from the first hill. If the roller coaster has enough initial kinetic energy and sufficient potential energy, it can continue to climb the second hill, converting kinetic energy into potential energy as it goes up. Once it reaches the top, the potential energy can be converted back into kinetic energy as the roller coaster descends and accelerates.

So in conclusion, your statement is partially correct. If the second hill is higher than the first hill, the roller coaster needs enough initial energy (kinetic and potential) to overcome the increase in potential energy required to climb the second hill. If it doesn't have enough energy, it may not make it over the higher hill.