Physics of Roller Coasters

Roller Coaster Mechanics

• Traditional roller coasters utilize a lift chain to elevate the cars.
• The stop height principle, established by Galileo, dictates roller coasters cannot exceed the height of the first hill.

G-Forces in Roller Coasters

• Positive G-force creates a sensation of increased weight; blood feels heavier, potentially causing blackouts due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Negative G-force results in a sense of decreased weight; blood feels lighter, which can lead to a "red out" effect due to excess blood flow to the brain.

G-Force Limits and Experience

• Maximum tolerable positive G-force is 4 G, leading to a fourfold increase in body weight.
• Maximum tolerable negative G-force is 1/2 G.
• Positive G-forces are primarily experienced at the bottom of hills and during loops.
• Negative G-forces occur at the peaks of hills.

Effects and Risks of G-Forces

• At 6 G, physical damage like nosebleeds can occur.
• At 10 G, individuals may lose consciousness.
• At 14 G, there is a risk of fatal consequences.

Energy Transformations

• Roller coasters convert potential energy into kinetic energy as the lift chain raises the cars, with gravity taking over once the drop begins.
• Daily life generally involves experiencing around 1 G of force; stunt pilots may endure 8-10 G due to maneuvering.
• Stunt pilots prevent loss of consciousness by tightening their muscles.

Roller Coaster Safety and Construction

• Amusement parks maintain a maximum of 4 positive Gs for safety standards.
• Roller coasters are routinely inspected for safety features, ensuring regular maintenance to manage wear and tear from Newton's Third Law.
• Modern roller coasters may utilize electromagnet systems for acceleration or compressed air.

Wheel Systems on Roller Coasters

• Running wheels are positioned above track rails to support and guide cars.
• Up stop wheels, mounted beneath tracks, prevent cars from derailing when upside down.
• Friction wheels, located inside the track, prevent sideways derailment.

Physics of Motion and Energy Conservation

• Friction is the force opposing motion between two surfaces, impacting energy transformation.
• Not all potential energy converts to kinetic energy; some is lost as thermal and sound energy due to friction.
• The law of conservation of energy states energy cannot be created or destroyed, maintaining the total energy within the system constant.