Roller Coaster Energy

Choose a preset or click πŸ”§ Build Track to design your own, then press β–Ά Start.
Controls
Your Prediction
Will the coaster complete the full course?
Build Mode: Drag the yellow dots to reshape the track. Use + Point to add more control points, βˆ’ Point to remove the last one. Click Exit Build when done.

Energy Breakdown

0 J
KE
0 J
PE
0 J
Thermal
0 J
Total E
Speed
0.00 m/s
Height
0.00 m
KE
0 J
PE
0 J
Thermal
0 J
Total E
0 J

🎒 Challenge Goals

Easy: Can the cart clear both hills and reach the finish? Add friction β€” how much can you add and still complete the course?
Challenge: Can the cart survive the steep hill? Try building your own track with a huge drop!

Roller Coaster Physics

Energy conservation determines whether the coaster completes the course. At any point: KE = E_total βˆ’ PE βˆ’ E_thermal. The cart speeds up going downhill (PEβ†’KE) and slows going uphill (KEβ†’PE).

Friction continuously removes mechanical energy. Each metre of track costs energy equal to ΞΌmgΒ·cos(ΞΈ)Β·ds. With enough friction, the cart stalls before reaching high points.

Build your own track by clicking πŸ”§ Build Track and dragging the yellow control points. The simulation automatically fits a smooth curve through your points.