Physics of Roller Coasters

Questions and Answers

What does the traditional roller coaster use?

A lift chain

What's the significance of the stop height principle?

Galileo -- stop height = roller coasters can't go higher than the first hill

What happens with a positive G force?

Blood feels heavier, can't pump blood to the brain, can blackout

What is a G-force?

The sensation of increased or decreased weight Signup and view all the answers

Which G-force is an increased weight?

Positive G Signup and view all the answers

Which G-force is a decreased weight?

Negative G Signup and view all the answers

What's the limit for positive G forces?

4 G Signup and view all the answers

What's the limit for negative G forces?

1/2 G Signup and view all the answers

When do you experience positive Gs?

At the bottom of the hill or when going into a loop Signup and view all the answers

When do you experience negative Gs?

At the top of the hill Signup and view all the answers

What happens with a negative G force?

Blood feels light, can't pump blood to the brain, can red out Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 4 G?

4 times weight Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 6 G?

Nose gets bloody Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 10 G?

Pass out Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 14 G?

You can die Signup and view all the answers

How do roller coasters work?

A lift chain hauls up the first hill; potential energy turns to kinetic energy and gravity takes over. Signup and view all the answers

How many G forces do we experience daily?

1 G Signup and view all the answers

How many G forces do stunt pilots experience?

8-10 G Signup and view all the answers

How do stunt pilots not pass out?

They're trained to tighten their muscles Signup and view all the answers

What's the maximum G force for amusement parks?

4 positive Gs Signup and view all the answers

Why do we enjoy roller coasters?

Endorphins are created in the brain from its stress (like morphine) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three sets of wheels on a roller coaster?

Running wheels, up stop wheels, friction wheels Signup and view all the answers

What are running wheels?

Mounted above the tracks to support cars and give speed Signup and view all the answers

What are up stop wheels?

Mounted beneath the tracks to prevent them from flying off the track Signup and view all the answers

What are friction wheels?

Mounted on the inside of tracks to hold trains and prevent coaster from falling off tracks Signup and view all the answers

What are different ways roller coasters are made now?

With electromagnets (to accelerate car), with compressed air Signup and view all the answers

How safe are roller coasters?

Inspected daily Signup and view all the answers

Why is there wear and tear on roller coasters?

Newton's 3rd law -- for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction Signup and view all the answers

Define friction.

A force that opposes motion between two surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't all the potential energy of the coaster become kinetic energy?

The energy's converted into thermal and sound energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of conservation energy?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed Signup and view all the answers

Explain the energy conversions that take place on a roller coaster and explain how energy is conserved.

Mechanical energy becomes thermal energy. The conversion produces sound energy. If you add all the energy, the sum is the original amount of potential energy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Explore the fascinating mechanics and physics behind roller coasters, including the principles of G-forces and their effects on riders. Understand how traditional designs and forces at play influence the overall experience and safety of roller coasters.