Roller coasters are complex machines that involve many different physical principles. Here are three key concepts of physics that a roller coaster must obey in order to be successful:
- Energy conservation: A roller coaster must obey the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This means that the roller coaster must start with a certain amount of potential energy (due to its height above the ground) and kinetic energy (due to its motion), and must maintain that energy throughout the ride. This is achieved through the use of various mechanisms, such as friction brakes and magnetic brakes, that convert kinetic energy into other forms of energy (such as heat).
- Centripetal force: As a roller coaster travels around curves and loops, it must obey the principle of centripetal force, which states that an object moving in a curved path experiences a force directed towards the center of the curve. In order to stay on the track and not fly off, the roller coaster must generate enough centripetal force to counteract the force of gravity pulling it downwards. This is achieved through the use of banked curves, which tilt the track towards the center of the curve, and by designing the track to follow a specific radius of curvature.
- Friction and air resistance: A roller coaster must also take into account the effects of friction and air resistance, which can slow the coaster down and reduce its energy. To minimize these effects, the coaster's track and wheels must be designed to minimize friction, and the coaster's shape and speed must be optimized to minimize air resistance. This involves careful consideration of factors such as the coaster's shape, the materials used to construct it, and the coaster's speed and acceleration at various points along the track.