The Forces Behind The Fun

Roller  Coaster Science

Created by Linda Mika

Mt. Gallant Elementary, Rock Hill, South Carolina  29732

York School District # 3

Created 5/30/03

Last Updated 6/16/03

Introduction:   For many people, there is only one reason to go to an amusement park -  the roller coaster.  Some people call it the "scream machine."  Roller coasters now come in many shapes and sizes, but all are designed with the thrill seeker in mind.    Did you know that a roller coaster has no engine?  Engineers of coasters utilize simple physics principles in designing an exciting ride.  This treasure hunt will help you learn about the science behind the thrilling rides.  Need a little background knowledge? before you start? 

Questions:

Print out the Question page.  Write your answers on the printed worksheet.

1.  What is the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy in a roller coaster?

2.  Which of Newton's laws of motion keeps the coaster moving?

3.  Play the roller coaster simulation.  Where in the ride is the potential energy the greatest?  Where is the kinetic energy the greatest?

4.  What are the major forces at work in the working of the roller coaster?

5.  The main fun of the roller  coaster is in the fluctuation (or change) of ____________?

www.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster.htm

6.  What is the key to making any roller coaster work? First try the simulation of the 3 different styles of roller coasters.  See if you can spot the problem areas. 

http://www.fearofphysics.com/Roller/roller.html

http://www.fearofphysics.com/cgi-bin/roller.cgi?track=1&start=0&mode=wrap&phys=off&animdetail=High

7.  Why does a roller coaster end on a lower level than where it starts?

8.  What role do gravity and inertia play in making a roller coaster work?

http://howthingswork.virginia.edu/        Look for roller coasters under topic on left side of web page.  Scroll down to find answers to questions 7 and 8.

9.  Can you create a coaster that will give riders thrills, chills, OR spills?  Check out this site.  Use the knowledge you've gained in previous simulations. Draw a sketch of your coaster.  What would you name it?  In which amusement park would you like the coaster to be?  

http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/coasters/interactive/interactive.html

List of Amusement Parks and Coasters

http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/

10. After reading the instructions for building the next roller coaster, which height did you choose for your first hill?  Your second hill? Why is your choice crucial to the successful completion of your coaster's journey?

11. What is a safe shape for a loop? 

12.  Read the safety rating for the coaster you built.  How did your coaster rate?  Modify your design if necessary for safety and thrill factor.

http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/

13.  Your last challenge is to build a thrilling, yet safe coaster using the knowledge you have gained from previous simulations.  After building a successful coaster, manipulate each variable from one extreme to another to see how the coaster ride is affected.   What effect does speed, mass, gravity and friction play on a successful coaster ride?

14.  What are the main factors that have to be considered when building a thrilling, yet safe coaster?

http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/

Ready for the

BIG QUESTION?      

                Questions or Comments?

               

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