Title: Investigating the Physics of Roller Coasters

Team:
Jeanine Lanz Constanza Rojas Polanco Bates Yohan Marrufo Raymundo King Mario Caceres
Abstract:
This lab report aims to conduct a physics-based investigation of roller coasters. The experiments focused
on understanding the kinetic and potential energies, conservation of energy, forces, and the role of
friction in determining the ride experience on a roller coaster. The investigation involved collecting and
analyzing data from a hands-on roller coaster model and analyzing real-life examples of roller coaster
designs. The results provided insights into the fundamental principles that govern roller coaster
dynamics, highlighting the means by which they provide thrilling and safe entertainment.
Introduction:
Roller coasters are thrilling amusement rides that rely on principles of physics to provide an exciting
experience while ensuring the safety of the riders. Understanding the effects of forces, energy
transformation, and friction on roller coasters is crucial for designing, constructing, and operating these
rides. This lab report aims to investigate the physics behind roller coasters and how they create the
sensation of excitement through careful engineering.
Methods:
1. Hands-on Model Experiment:
a. Assembled a roller coaster model using common materials like tracks, loops, and curves.
b. Measured the height of the starting point and tracked the motion of a mini-car using a ticker tape
timer.
c. Collected data on the velocity, acceleration, and trajectory of the mini-car at various points along the
track.
d. Analyzed the data to calculate kinetic and potential energies, gravitational potential energy, and the
conservation of mechanical energy.
2. Real-World Examples Analysis:
a. Studied different roller coaster designs, including those with loops, corkscrews, and
various inclines.
b. Analyzed the forces acting on the riders during different stages of the ride, such as the
initial ascent, descents, and tight turns.
c. Examined the role of friction in braking mechanisms and how it affects the speed and
acceleration of roller coasters.
Results:
1. Hands-on Model Experiment:
a. Calculated the kinetic and potential energies at different points along the track.
b. Observed the conservation of mechanical energy when accounting for friction and other forms of
energy dissipation.
c. Quantitatively analyzed the acceleration and velocity of the mini-car during its descent and ascent.
2. Real-World Examples Analysis:

a. Identified the forces acting on riders such as gravity, normal force, friction, and air resistance.
b. Explored different types of loops and their ability to maintain sufficient normal force to keep riders
safely in their seats.
c. Discussed how roller coaster engineers minimize potential risks and ensure passenger safety through
proper design and maintenance.
Discussion:
The hands-on model experiment and analysis of real-world examples confirmed the principles of physics
underlying roller coaster dynamics. It was found that the conservation of energy, particularly
gravitational potential energy transforming into kinetic energy, plays a vital role in determining the
coaster's speed and excitement. Additionally, the analysis emphasized the importance of friction in
controlling ride speed and energy dissipation to ensure rider safety.
Conclusion:
This lab report demonstrated how physics principles like conservation of energy, forces, and friction are
fundamental in understanding the workings and safety of roller coasters. The report also highlighted
how engineers utilize these principles to design thrilling yet safe rides. Ultimately, a deeper
understanding of the physics behind roller coasters enhances the enjoyment and appreciation of these
amusement park attractions.
Kinetic reflection refers to the reflection of motion or energy, while potential reflection refers to the
reflection of potential energy or stored energy.
Kinetic reflection involves the reflection of objects or particles that are in motion. When a moving object
or particle hits a surface, it bounces off the surface and changes its direction. This change in direction is
due to the conservation of energy and momentum. The angle at which the object or particle bounces off
the surface is equal to the angle at which it initially struck the surface. Examples of kinetic reflection
include the reflection of a ball off a wall or the reflection of light off a moving mirror.
Potential reflection, on the other hand, refers to the reflection of potential energy or stored energy.
Potential energy is the stored energy that an object possesses due to its position or condition. When this
potential energy is reflected, it can change into other forms of energy such as kinetic energy or heat. For
example, when a book is lifted off the ground and then released, it falls back to the ground due to the
conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy. The reflection of potential energy can also occur in
more complex systems, such as in the reflection of sound waves or electromagnetic waves off surfaces.