A student is investigating the transfer of energy between potential and kinetic. The student observes a roller coaster at four locations on the track and creates a graph based on her observations.
What conclusion can be made based on the graph?
a
Kinetic and potential energy change, but total energy stays the same.
b
Kinetic energy is created during a roller coaster ride.
c
Potential energy is increased, but kinetic energy stays the same.
d
Potential energy is destroyed during a roller coaster ride.
The conclusion that can be made based on the graph is:
a) Kinetic and potential energy change, but total energy stays the same.
Based on the graph, the conclusion that can be made is:
a) Kinetic and potential energy change, but total energy stays the same.
To determine the conclusion based on the graph, we first need to understand the relationship between potential and kinetic energy on a roller coaster.
When a roller coaster moves along its track, it experiences changes in potential and kinetic energy. At the highest point of the track (typically called the highest hill), the roller coaster has maximum potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As it moves down the hill, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, reaching maximum kinetic energy at the bottom of the hill. As the roller coaster climbs up the next hill, some of the kinetic energy is again converted into potential energy.
Now, let's analyze the possible conclusions based on the given options:
a) "Kinetic and potential energy change, but total energy stays the same."
This conclusion is accurate because the graph shows that as the roller coaster moves along the track, both potential and kinetic energy change. However, since energy is conserved, the total energy of the roller coaster remains the same throughout the ride.
b) "Kinetic energy is created during a roller coaster ride."
This conclusion is not supported by the graph. The graph does not show any sudden increase in kinetic energy from zero to a non-zero value. Instead, it demonstrates the conversion between potential and kinetic energy.
c) "Potential energy is increased, but kinetic energy stays the same."
This conclusion is not supported by the graph. The graph clearly shows that both potential and kinetic energy go through changes at different locations on the roller coaster track.
d) "Potential energy is destroyed during a roller coaster ride."
This conclusion is not accurate. The graph does not depict any scenario where potential energy is destroyed. Instead, it shows that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy during certain sections of the track, and vice versa.
Therefore, the correct conclusion based on the graph would be a) "Kinetic and potential energy change, but total energy stays the same."