Roller coasters are a must see attraction in amusement parks around the world, even though they are a good source of entertainment not many are aware of how roller coasters actually function.
Even though each and every roller coaster is unique all of them work under the same concept. Most roller coasters start out by ascending to a higher surface which is done to build up enough potential energy to power the carts throughout the entire ride. Energy is usually defined as the ability or capacity to perform work, there are many different types of energy all of which can be grouped into two groups: kinetic energy and potential energy. Potential energy according to "Study.com" is the stored energy that an object has made by positioning, and the idea behind it is quite straightforward. As the roller coaster elevates to the top of the slope (higher up in the air) gravity can pull it down for a greater distance, the higher up it goes the further gravity will pull it down. The potential energy which is built up by ascending can be released …show more content…
Because of inertia and gravity the roller coaster has acceleration which according to "The Physics Classroom" is the rate at which an object changes velocity. When the coaster is under a negative slope (going downwards) the gravity naturally pulls the front of the car towards the ground, it keeps moving because of inertia and accelerates 9.8m/s/s due to gravity pulling it towards the ground and the opposite happens when the slope of the hill is positive. If the track are tilted upwards the gravity still applies a downward force hence the cars
Even though each and every roller coaster is unique all of them work under the same concept. Most roller coasters start out by ascending to a higher surface which is done to build up enough potential energy to power the carts throughout the entire ride. Energy is usually defined as the ability or capacity to perform work, there are many different types of energy all of which can be grouped into two groups: kinetic energy and potential energy. Potential energy according to "Study.com" is the stored energy that an object has made by positioning, and the idea behind it is quite straightforward. As the roller coaster elevates to the top of the slope (higher up in the air) gravity can pull it down for a greater distance, the higher up it goes the further gravity will pull it down. The potential energy which is built up by ascending can be released …show more content…
Because of inertia and gravity the roller coaster has acceleration which according to "The Physics Classroom" is the rate at which an object changes velocity. When the coaster is under a negative slope (going downwards) the gravity naturally pulls the front of the car towards the ground, it keeps moving because of inertia and accelerates 9.8m/s/s due to gravity pulling it towards the ground and the opposite happens when the slope of the hill is positive. If the track are tilted upwards the gravity still applies a downward force hence the cars