ROLLER COASTER PHYSICS

INTRODUCTION

The design of amusement park rides use physics laws. In this PhysicsQuest you will learn about the history of roller coasters and the physics of basic design features.

TASK

You will read each section by clicking on the links provided and answer the questions given.

PROCESS AND RESOURCES

HISTORY OF ROLLER COASTERS

1. Briefly describe the following periods in the history of Roller Coasters:

·The Russian Mountains (1800s)

·The Mauch Chunk Switchback (1870)

·Coney Island (1880)

·The Golden Age (1920)

·Rebirth (1970)

·Coasters of the Future (2000s)

HISTORY OF ROLLER COASTER INNOVATIONS

2. Write a short description about the accomplishments of the following key figures in the History of Roller Coasters:

- Thompson, La Marcus

- Miller, John

- Traver, Harry

- Allen, John

- Toomer, Ron

G-FORCES

3. G-forces are used for explaining the relative effects of centripetal acceleration that a rider feels while on a roller coaster. There are three types of g-forces. Briefly describe them.

4. During a roller coaster ride, different positions cause different g forces. Which parts of the ride on the diagram below will experience positive g's and which parts will experience negative g's?

5. There is an incorrect term in the diagram. Explain which term this is and why it is incorrect.

ROLLER COASTER TYPES

6. Compare and contrast  Steel and Wooden roller coasters.

SIX FLAGS COASTERS

7. List the wooden and steel roller coasters at Six Flags over Texas.

STARTING: LIFTING UP

8. Discuss three different  lifting mechanisms in roller coasters?

LOOPS

9. Describe what a clothoid loop is and explain why it is used in place of the traditional circular loop.

BUILDING A ROLLER COASTER

10. Design your own roller coaster and write down your specifications.

Height of your first hill:

Shape of first hill:

Exit path:

Height of second hill:

The loop:

Your results: