The Answer is: Gravity is counteracted by the force of acceleration, which is the force that pushes you forward. (Whaaaht did you just say?) It’s all a matter of physics: energy, inertia, and gravity. A roller coaster does not have an engine to generate energy. The climb up the first hill is accomplished by a lift or cable that pulls the train up. As the train climbs up the first hill it is building potential energy. The energy hasn't been used yet, it could be used when it reaches the top of the hill. All the stored energy is used as the train reaches the peak of the hill and begins to careen down the hill at a very fast speed. This is kinetic energy. There is enough of this energy to get the train up the next hill. According to Newton’s First Law of Motion, “an object in motion tends to stay in motion, unless another force hits it.” Wind resistance or the wheels along the track are forces that work to slow down the train. So toward the end of the ride, the hills tend to be lower because the coaster has less energy to get up them. I know, I know! I haven't answered the question yet....In the loop-the-loop upside down design, it’s inertia that keeps you in your seat. Inertia is the force that presses your body to the outside of the loop as the train spins around. Although gravity is pulling you toward the earth, at the very top the acceleration force is stronger than gravity and is pulling upwards, thus counteracting gravity. You still say Whaaht? How about looking at this example: There, don't feel so bad. This gravity thing is a bit complicated.... Alright! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Pretty soon you will be sayin' Mrs. Taylor can sure take the fun out of a roller coaster ride! At its most basic level, this is all a roller coaster is -- a machine that uses gravity and inertia to send a train along a winding track. Stop all this talk and let's go ride!
Nobody noticed I didn't give out homework this week...Thank you very much!
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |