Roller Coasters Focus Book and Read-Think-Write Questions

The highest hill (also called the lift hill) is always at the beginning of the ride because that is where the car gains the most potential energy. This potential energy is stored energy that will change to other forms of energy, including kinetic energy, to keep the car moving through the rest of the ride.

The car's kinetic energy is probably greatest at the bottom of the first lift hill. This is the tallest hill and give the car the longest distance to accelerate due to gravity. At this point, the car has not lost momentum by coasting up the next hill.

Answer will vary but should mention at least one and preferably both of the following:

1. the roller coast car lost momentum through the ride as it moved over hills, around turns, and through loops.
2. brakes at the end of the ride provide friction to stop the car