The path of motion of a roller-coaster is shown in the figure. At the start of the roller-coaster ride, a motor pulls it from point W to X. Although there is no motor to pull it up from point Y to Z, it still moves through the loop by itself. Identify the energy conversions from Y to Z.

The path of motion of a roller-coaster is shown in the figure. At the start of the roller-coaster ride, a motor pulls it from point W to X. Although there is no motor to pull it up from point Y to Z, it still moves through the loop by itself. Identify the energy conversions from Y to Z. Correct Answer Kinetic energy → Potential energy

CONCEPT:

Conservation of energy:

• According to the conservation of energy, energy can’t be created or destroyed, it can only transform from one form to another.
• The total energy of the system remains constant i.e. the sum of kinetic energy + potential energy remains constant.

EXPLANATION:

• As the body falls, its kinetic energy increases at the expense of potential energy.
• When the body touches the ground, it's potential energy becomes zero and because of the conservation of energy, the kinetic energy gets converted into potential energy and hence it still moves through the loop by itself. Therefore option 2 is correct.