Key Terms Defined
- Kinetic energy
- Energy from motion
- Potential energy
- Stored energy that transforms into kinetic energy.
A roller coaster demonstrates <i>kinetic energy</i> and <i>potential energy</i>. A marble at the top of the track has potential energy. When the marble rolls down the track, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy. Real roller coasters use a motor to pull cars up a hill at the beginning of the ride. Cars that are stopped at the top of the hill have potential energy. As the car rolls down the hill, the potential energy becomes kinetic energy.
Learn more about roller coasters:
science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster.htm www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster
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- Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Open every day except Christmas Day
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