Potential and kinetic energy
Lift hills store energy; drops and launches convert it into speed — friction steals some along the way.
At the top of a lift hill, the train has high potential energy (height × mass × gravity). As it descends, that converts to kinetic energy (motion).
In an ideal frictionless world, a 200-foot drop would always produce the same peak speed. Real coasters lose energy to air drag, wheel friction, and braking trims, so designers oversize the first drop or add a launch.
Launches inject kinetic energy directly — motors add speed without needing a tall hill. Hybrid layouts mix both: launch into a hill, or lift into a launch zone.
When you compare coasters, ask where energy enters the system and where it is intentionally removed (trim brakes, second lifts, long brake runs).
Related guides
Gravity on roller coasters
The train is always falling — track shape decides which direction that pull becomes force on your body.
How lift hills work
Chain dogs, anti-rollbacks, and motors that creep the train up while you hear that familiar click-click-click.
Speed vs height — which matters more?
Tall lifts do not guarantee top speed; launches can be fast without being huge.