Energy Transformations in a Stopping Roller Coaster

From Peaks to Rest: The Energy Journey

1. Potential → Kinetic: Chain lift stores gravitational potential energy (GPE). Release converts GPE → kinetic energy (KE) as coaster accelerates downhill.
2. Kinetic → Potential: Climbing subsequent hills converts KE back to GPE (speed drops, height rises).
3. Kinetic → Heat & Sound: Friction (wheel-track, bearings) and air resistance continuously dissipate KE as thermal energy and noise—irreversible losses.
4. Kinetic → GPE (final hill): Remaining KE converts to GPE on the final brake run incline.
5. GPE → Heat (brakes): Magnetic/eddy-current or friction brakes convert final GPE to heat, bringing train to full stop.

Total mechanical energy decreases monotonically due to non-conservative forces. Design ensures enough initial GPE to complete the circuit despite losses.