Question

Describe the relationship between the potential and kinetic energies of the tennis ball as it travels the length of the roller coaster.

Answer 1

If we neglect frictional force, the total mechanical energy of the ball is conserved.
The total mechanical energy of the ball is the sum of its kinetic energy K and its potential energy U:

`E=K+U`
where the kinetic energy depends on the speed v of the ball:

`K= (1)/(2) mv^2`
while the potential energy depends on the height h at which the ball is:

`U=mgh`

As the ball travels along the roller coaster, there is a continuous conversion between kinetic and potential energy, because the total mechanical energy E has always the same value. Therefore, when the ball goes on top of a hill, its height h increases and its potential energy U increases as well, while the speed v decreases and K decreases. Vice-versa, when the ball reaches the bottom of a hill, its height h decreases and therefore the potential energy U decreases, while the speed v increases and therefore the kinetic energy K of the ball increases as well.