By

Dave Damato

Coulter Somes

How is Physics Present in Coasters? What Makes A Roller

Coaster Work

• Acceleration – Rate of change in velocity

• Slope–Downward–Upward

• Centripetal force (the center seeking force)– Force that makes an object move in a circle

• Uniform Circular Motion– The motion of a object

around the center of a circle in such a manner that speed is constant and unchanging (loop)

• Colthoid– Much smaller radius at the

top than at the bottom• Key factor to prevent

cars from approaching at too high of speeds and equalizes force as the coaster moves into the loop

• Energy– An objects ability to do

work• Kinetic• Potential

• Force– Push or pull on an object

• Balanced Force: Equal forces applied on each side

• Does not yield a change in velocity

• Unbalanced Force: Unequal forces applied that yield a change in velocity

• Friction– Force that acts against the car resisting

motion• Affected by:

– Weight/Surface Pressure

• Gravity– Most important force involved in a roller

coaster• Keeps the coaster on the track

• Inertia– Resistance to move

• More mass = greater amount of inertia

• G-Forces (gravitational forces)– Change constantly

throughout ride• Decent

• Velocity– An objects speed in a specific direction– Velocity changes with a change in direction

• Turns = same speed, different velocity

• Momentum

• Force/Speed of movement

• Object mass multiplied by its velocity

• Work– Force used to move

an object• Ex. Gravity pulling the

coaster down the track

• Mass– Measure of inertia

Fun Facts

-Running WheelsGuides

-Friction wheelsCentral lateral movement

-Final setKeeps coaster on track

Potential/Kinetic Energy Experiment

• Car = .5kg

• Height of gate trial 1– Gate 1: 14cm– Gate 2: .075cm

Calculations (Gate 1)

• Potential Energy– mgh = .5(10)(.14) = .7J

• Kinetic Energy– ½(.5)(.775)^2 = 1.50 J

• Total Energy– .7 +.150 = .85

Calculations (Gate 2)

• Potential Energy– mgh = .5(10)(.075) = .375 J

• Kinetic Energy– ½(.5)(1.480)^2 = .5476 J

• Total Energy– .375 +.5476 = .9226

Data Table

Trial Height (m) PE (J) Velocity (m/s) KE (J) Total E (J) % Difference

1.) Gate 1 0.14 0.686 0.775 1.5 0.836  

1.) Gate 2 0.075 0.368 1.48 0.548 0.915 7.894

2.) Gate 1 0.11 0.539 0.689 0.119 0.658  

2.) Gate 2 0.06 0.294 1.284 0.412 0.706 4.848

3.) Gate 1 0.09 0.441 0.609 0.093 0.534  

3.) Gate 2 0.053 0.26 1.135 0.322 0.582 4.804

4.) Gate 1 0.066 0.323 0.493 0.061 0.384  

4.) Gate 2 0.042 0.206 0.901 0.203 0.409 2.459

Explanation of Results

• % Change .9226-.85=.0726*100 = 7.26

• Potential energy converts to kinetic Energy as it reaches the bottom of the hill. The longer the car is on the track, the more affect the friction has on the velocity.

Bibliography• Web Site: Henderson, Tom. Glenbrook South Physics. Course home page.

Fall 1996-Spring     2004. Spring 2004. Dept. of Science, Glenbrook South High School in     Glenview, Illinois. 5 Feb. 2007 <http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/     phys/CLass/info.html#copyright>.

• Web Site: McCoy, Natallie. Think Quest. 5 Feb. 2007 <http://library.thinkquest.org/     C0113822/credits.html?>.

• Web Site: Harris, Tom. "How Roller Coasters Work." How Stuff Works. 2007. Google. 6 Feb.     2007 <http://www.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster1.htm>.

• Web Site: The Mechanical Universe...and Beyond. "Roller Coaster." Amusement Park Physics.     10 Feb. 2007. Annenberg Media. 13 Feb. 2007 <http://www.learner.org/     exhibits/parkphysics/coaster.html>.

• Book: McGrath, Kimberley A. World of Physics. Wisconsin: The Gale Group, 2001.

Podcast

• http://www.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster1.htm

• http://www.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster1.htm

• http://fc.cushing.org/~ddamato07/FOV2-0001F4A1/S017C4962.0/Attach0.mp3