Coaster Physics

Roller Coasters are great fun because they are full of Physics!

Here’s what happens:

the chain does work to pull the coaster to the top of the first hill
this work is stored as potential energy
as it rolls downhill, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy

The formulas for these are pretty easy:

Work : W = Fs

= force x distance

Potential Energy: PE = 9.8mh

= gravity x mass x height

Kinetic Energy: KE = 0.5mv²

= ½ mass x velocity squared

If I pull a cart 6m uphill with a force of 300 N, find the force.

Find the PE of a cart that has a mass of 100 kg that is 20 m up

Find KE of a cart that has a mass of 100 kg that is moving 10 m/s.

One of the basic rules of Physics is the law of Conservation of Energy, which states that the work to get the coaster to the top is equal to the potential energy at the top is equal to the kinetic energy at the bottom, so W = PE_top = KE_bottom

http://www.funderstanding.com/coaster

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjNmUY770lw&feature=related.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdNZCzFNUac&feature=related

Activity 1: Measure v

Use the scale to get the mass of your cart _________________ g = _________________ kg

Use the spring scale to measure the force to drag the cart up hill _________________ N

Measure the height of the track at the timer _______________ cm = _______________ m

Distance	Work	Δ track height	Calculate PE	Velocity	Calculate KE
0.6 m
0.8 m
1.0 m
1.2 m
1.4 m

Does Work = PE = KE? (If not, is it close/why off?)

Activity 2: Build a Coaster

Using the foam pipe and a marble, design and build several roller coasters. Observe how the height of the first hill determines the speed. Sketch three different designs you came up with, give each a coaster name, and rate their speed, safety and fun levels.

Design 1:	Design 2:	Design 3:

Speed:
Safety:
Fun: