Question
Part 3: Show What You Know
Show What You Know
Consider the diagram of changes in kinetic and potential energy of a roller coaster as it moves up and down its track.
Draw a simple graph. Label the horizontal (x) axis “Time” and label the vertical (y) axis “Kinetic energy.” Do not include units, as you will be plotting only general increases and decreases.
Use this blank graph for activity A below.
Source: Oxford Designers & Illustrators Ltd/Pearson Education Ltd
On the graph, draw a curve showing the changes in the kinetic energy of the roller coaster pictured in the illustration, starting at the point where the cars are pictured. (Hint: The kinetic energy increases when potential energy decreases because the potential energy converts to kinetic energy.)
How does your graph compare to the illustration of the roller coaster?
Show What You Know
Consider the diagram of changes in kinetic and potential energy of a roller coaster as it moves up and down its track.
Draw a simple graph. Label the horizontal (x) axis “Time” and label the vertical (y) axis “Kinetic energy.” Do not include units, as you will be plotting only general increases and decreases.
Use this blank graph for activity A below.
Source: Oxford Designers & Illustrators Ltd/Pearson Education Ltd
On the graph, draw a curve showing the changes in the kinetic energy of the roller coaster pictured in the illustration, starting at the point where the cars are pictured. (Hint: The kinetic energy increases when potential energy decreases because the potential energy converts to kinetic energy.)
How does your graph compare to the illustration of the roller coaster?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Certainly! Here’s a guide on how to draw the graph described in your activity.
1. **Set Up the Axes**:
- Draw a horizontal line (x-axis) for "Time."
- Draw a vertical line (y-axis) for "Kinetic Energy."
2. **Mark the Axes**:
- Label the horizontal axis "Time."
- Label the vertical axis "Kinetic Energy."
3. **Plotting the Kinetic Energy Curve**:
- Begin at the left side of the graph, indicating the initial point where the roller coaster starts at a height (potential energy is at its maximum, kinetic energy is at its minimum).
- As the roller coaster descends, the kinetic energy will increase. Draw a curve that rises sharply downward as the coaster goes down the initial slope.
- Upon reaching the bottom, when there's the maximum kinetic energy, the line will peak.
- As the roller coaster ascends the next peak, the kinetic energy will decrease again. Draw the line sloping back down from the peak.
- This pattern will continue, alternating between peaks and valleys, simulating the roller coaster's motion.
4. **Final Shape of the Curve**:
- The curve should look like a series of waves, with the peaks representing the points of maximum kinetic energy at the lowest points of the roller coaster and the troughs representing the points of minimum kinetic energy at the highest points.
### Comparison to the Illustration
In comparison to the illustration of the roller coaster:
- The graph you created should reflect the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy as the roller coaster goes up and down the track.
- Each downward slope on the roller coaster corresponds to an increase in kinetic energy in your graph, while each upward slope corresponds to a decrease.
- The overall trend of your graph should mirror the energy dynamics shown in the roller coaster illustration, where energy shifts from potential to kinetic and vice versa.
In summary, your graph will visually represent the changes in kinetic energy as the roller coaster moves through its various elevations, highlighting the conversion of energy.
1. **Set Up the Axes**:
- Draw a horizontal line (x-axis) for "Time."
- Draw a vertical line (y-axis) for "Kinetic Energy."
2. **Mark the Axes**:
- Label the horizontal axis "Time."
- Label the vertical axis "Kinetic Energy."
3. **Plotting the Kinetic Energy Curve**:
- Begin at the left side of the graph, indicating the initial point where the roller coaster starts at a height (potential energy is at its maximum, kinetic energy is at its minimum).
- As the roller coaster descends, the kinetic energy will increase. Draw a curve that rises sharply downward as the coaster goes down the initial slope.
- Upon reaching the bottom, when there's the maximum kinetic energy, the line will peak.
- As the roller coaster ascends the next peak, the kinetic energy will decrease again. Draw the line sloping back down from the peak.
- This pattern will continue, alternating between peaks and valleys, simulating the roller coaster's motion.
4. **Final Shape of the Curve**:
- The curve should look like a series of waves, with the peaks representing the points of maximum kinetic energy at the lowest points of the roller coaster and the troughs representing the points of minimum kinetic energy at the highest points.
### Comparison to the Illustration
In comparison to the illustration of the roller coaster:
- The graph you created should reflect the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy as the roller coaster goes up and down the track.
- Each downward slope on the roller coaster corresponds to an increase in kinetic energy in your graph, while each upward slope corresponds to a decrease.
- The overall trend of your graph should mirror the energy dynamics shown in the roller coaster illustration, where energy shifts from potential to kinetic and vice versa.
In summary, your graph will visually represent the changes in kinetic energy as the roller coaster moves through its various elevations, highlighting the conversion of energy.