Physics of Roller Coasters

Roller coasters are some of the most thrilling rides in the world. The feeling of weightlessness, the anticipation, and the thrill are some of the reasons for its universal appeal. However, for the average layman, the journey ends once he gets off the roller coaster. We, as physics students, must take the next step: find out how the roller coaster works.

In a nutshell, roller coasters utilize two main forces: kinetic energy, and potential energy. The reason that most roller coasters start off from a very high point is so it can build up its potential energy. In other words, the higher the elevation, the more distance that gravity can pull the coaster down. Then, as the roller coaster goes down the hill, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy (the energy that takes you downwards.) After that, the roller coaster once again builds up its potential energy by going up another hill. As you can see, the roller coaster is actually continuously transforming potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa.

My favorite roller coaster is the Behemoth at Canada's Wonderland, and it is a great example of a roller coaster transforming energy.