Roller coasters exhibit many different types of potential and kinetic energy. The law of Conservation of Energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant — it is said to be conserved over time. This means that energy cannot be created nor destroyed. It can be transformed from one form into another, but the total amount of energy never changes. Mechanical energy is the energy due to the position of an object or the movement of an object. The …show more content…
Once the cars are lifted to the top of the hill, gravity takes over and the remainder of the ride is an experience in energy transformation. The total amount of energy never changes as energy cannot be created nor destroyed only transferred. At the top of the hill, the coaster possesses a large quantity of potential energy which is due to the fact that they are elevated to a large height above the ground. The coasters descend the first drop they lose much of this potential energy in accord with their loss of height. The coaster subsequently gains kinetic energy. Potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy. As the ride continues the coaster continually gains and losses potential and kinetic