Roller Coaster Physics
To get a better understanding of the physics of motion and forces, we are going to apply our knowledge to
something we already know about – roller coasters. You will work in a group to choose a particular roller
coaster and learn how the physics of the ride make it fun and exciting!
In this project, you will:
1. Learn how forces affect the motion of roller coaster cars and riders.
2. Create and present a PowerPoint showing how and where forces affect motion on a
roller coaster. You choose your own coaster from a website that has all the roller coasters in the
world.
3. Present your power point to the class, and show what you know about forces and motion.
First, go to this website:
http://www.learner.org/interactives/parkphysics/coaster.html
READ the first page. Type answers to the questions in the boxes! Answer in
complete sentences!
1) Do roller coaster cars have engines? What force is used by the roller coaster to get around the track?
2) Look in the Physics Glossary. What is kinetic energy? When does a roller coaster car have the most
kinetic energy?
3) What is potential energy? When does a roller coaster car have the most potential energy?
4) Where does gravity accelerate a roller coaster? Where does it slow it down?
5) What force does you roller coaster use to slow down and stop? Where does this happen?
NOW, Click on ‘Design a Roller Coaster’
6) What were your first fun and safety ratings?
7) What did you do to improve your ratings?
NEXT, go to www.rcdb.com
At this web site you will find information about roller coasters from around the world!
8) What roller coaster appeared when you first clicked on this site? Where is it located?
EXPLORE www.rcdb.com until you find a roller coaster for your project.
SIGN UP WITH MS. WILSON!
9) Pick a roller coaster from rcdb.com for your project. Put your coaster in your Favorites!
Write down the name and location of your roller coaster:
Write answers to the following questions about the roller coaster you have chosen
10) How does the roller coaster get up to the top of the first hill?
11) What does gravity do to the car next? Write a complete sentence, starting with gravity:
Gravity
12) What happens to the speed of the car when it gets to the bottom of the hill and starts up again? What
forces act on the car to change the speed?
13) What is centripetal force? (Physics Glossary again!). What does it do to a roller coaster car?
14) What is ‘g’ force? How many g's are we feeling now? How many g's can you feel on a coaster?
Your Roller Coaster Project!
Now that you have picked a roller coaster, you will create a presentation for the class. In your presentation
you will show how forces affect the motion of the roller coaster cars, and the people in them.
OPEN PowerPoint. SAVE the PowerPoint with the name of your roller coaster AND your name.
Save your PowerPoint in the S drive in the folder with your class period.
When you are ready to present your PowerPoint to the class you will find it here.
In your PowerPoint, you will:
A) Show information about your ride, including:
1. Name of the roller coaster.
2. Location of the roller coaster.
3. Date the roller coaster opened to the public, and the cost if you find it.
4. Roller coaster type.
5. Speed – the average speed AND the top (maximum) speed.
6. Capacity (how many riders per hour).
7. Height, length, and how long the roller coaster takes to go around.
8. Special types of loops and turns and inversions (how many times upside down).
9. The maximum 'g’ forces a rider experiences (if you can find it).
10. Any other interesting information you want to include (anyone accidents for example)!
B) Include pictures showing parts of your roller coaster. Use the pictures to help describe how your roller
coaster car goes around the tracks. ALL PHYSICS WORDS MUST BE USED CORRECTLY!
You must use ALL these physics words!
Accelerate
Gravity
Centripetal Force
Decelerate
Speed
Potential Energy
Friction
Pull
Inertia or Momentum
Kinetic energy
Mass
‘g’ force
Cross these words off as you use them!
Air resistance
Weightless
Other physics words you may want to include (optional):
Balanced Forces
Newton’s First Law
Free Fall
Newton's Second Law