The two forms of energy that are most important are gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.
The gravitational potential energy is given by:
Where:
m = Mass of the car
g = gravitational acceleration
h = Height
The kinetic energy is given by:
Where:
m = mass of the car
v = speed of the car
The roller have the greatest amount of potential energy at the top of the first hill since is the highest point of the roller coaster.
About the essential elements of a roller coaster, these are:
Banked turn: They are used to minimize the lateral G-forces on the riders to make the turn more comfortable.
Brake run: They are used to slow or stop a roller coaster train.
Lift hill: It transports the roller coaster train to an elevated point.
Launch track: It is a section where the train is accelerated to its full speed in a matter of seconds.