Roller Coaster Designer

Design your own track and explore the conservation of energy.

Conservation of Energy

This module demonstrates one of the most fundamental laws of physics. The Total Energy of the cart is a combination of its Gravitational Potential Energy ($PE = mgh$) and its Kinetic Energy ($KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$). As the cart goes down a hill, its potential energy (from height) is converted into kinetic energy (speed), and vice-versa.

How to Build

  • Click on the canvas to add points for your track. Start high on the left!
  • The first point you click sets the cart's starting height and its total energy.
  • Press Start to release the cart and test your design.
  • Use Clear Track to start a fresh design.

Controls

What's Happening?

Click on the canvas to start building a track from left to right.

Live Energy Dashboard

Potential Energy: 0 J

Kinetic Energy: 0 J

Energy Lost (Friction): 0 J

Total Energy: 0 J