As the cars of a roller-coaster race down a hill, energy transformations take place. Which of the following is true?

Question

Question 2 options:

Kinetic energy is stored in the cars as they move downhill.

The kinetic energy of the cars is equal to the potential energy of the cars.

Some energy is destroyed as the car slows down.

Some of the energy is transformed to kinetic energy and other forms of energy.

Answer 1

The most accurate statement regarding energy transformations in a roller-coaster scenario is:

Some of the energy is transformed to kinetic energy and other forms of energy.

As the cars move downhill, potential energy (due to their height) is converted into kinetic energy (due to their motion). Additionally, not all the energy transforms perfectly; some may be converted into other forms, such as heat due to friction or sound energy.

Let's briefly evaluate the other options:

1. Kinetic energy is stored in the cars as they move downhill. - This is incorrect as kinetic energy is not "stored" in the cars; rather, it is the energy of motion.

2. The kinetic energy of the cars is equal to the potential energy of the cars. - This is not true in a practical sense because energy is not conserved perfectly due to losses (like friction), and at any given point, kinetic energy and potential energy can vary.

3. Some energy is destroyed as the car slows down. - This is not a correct understanding of energy; energy is not destroyed but rather transformed into other forms (like heat).

So, the correct answer is the one about energy transforming into kinetic energy and other forms.