Conservation of Energy on a Rollercoaster

In this experiment, the Law of Conservation of Energy is verified by measuring the potential and kinetic energies of a car traveling over hills and loops on a curved track.

A car is started from rest on a variety of tracks (hills, valleys, loops, straight track). The speed of the car is measured at various points along the track using a photogate connected to a Smart Timer. The potential energy is calculated from the measured height and the kinetic energy is calculated from the speed. The total energy is calculated for two points on the track and compared. The height from which the car must be released from rest to just make it over the loop can be predicted from conservation of energy and the centripetal acceleration. Then the prediction can be tested on the roller coaster. If the car is released from the top of the hill so it easily makes it over the top of the loop, the speed of the car can be measured at the top of the loop and the centripetal acceleration as well as the apparent weight (normal force) on the car can be calculated.

Grade Level: College • High School

Subject: Physics

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