Physics of Roller Coasters
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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?

<p>The sensation of increased or decreased weight</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which G-force is an increased weight?

<p>Positive G</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which G-force is a decreased weight?

<p>Negative G</p> Signup and view all the answers

What's the limit for positive G forces?

<p>4 G</p> Signup and view all the answers

What's the limit for negative G forces?

<p>1/2 G</p> Signup and view all the answers

When do you experience positive Gs?

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

When do you experience negative Gs?

<p>At the top of the hill</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens with a negative G force?

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

What happens at 4 G?

<p>4 times weight</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 6 G?

<p>Nose gets bloody</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 10 G?

<p>Pass out</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens at 14 G?

<p>You can die</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do roller coasters work?

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

How many G forces do we experience daily?

<p>1 G</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many G forces do stunt pilots experience?

<p>8-10 G</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do stunt pilots not pass out?

<p>They're trained to tighten their muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

What's the maximum G force for amusement parks?

<p>4 positive Gs</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do we enjoy roller coasters?

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

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

<p>Running wheels, up stop wheels, friction wheels</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are running wheels?

<p>Mounted above the tracks to support cars and give speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are up stop wheels?

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

What are friction wheels?

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

What are different ways roller coasters are made now?

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

How safe are roller coasters?

<p>Inspected daily</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is there wear and tear on roller coasters?

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

Define friction.

<p>A force that opposes motion between two surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The energy's converted into thermal and sound energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the law of conservation energy?

<p>Energy cannot be created or destroyed</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>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.</p> 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.

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