Question

as a roller coaster moves downhill, which energy transformation takes place? a kinetic → potential b chemical → electrical c potential → kinetic and thermal d radiant → chemical

Explanation:

When a roller - coaster moves downhill, its height decreases and speed increases. Gravitational potential energy ($PE = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is gravitational acceleration, and $h$ is height) decreases as height $h$ decreases. At the same time, kinetic energy ($KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$, where $v$ is velocity) increases as speed $v$ increases. Also, due to friction between the coaster and the track, some energy is converted into thermal energy. So the energy transformation is from potential to kinetic and thermal.

Answer:

C. Potential → kinetic and thermal