Roller Coasters

Isaac Newton never had a chance to ride a roller coaster. The first one was built 75 years after his death. But the principles involved in roller coasters are right up Sir Isaac's alley. Newton's laws of motion describe how forces determine the motion of objects. Designers rely on the acceleration caused by those forces to make a roller coaster ride both thrilling and safe. The trick is knowing how to use the forces properly.

Definition of a Roller Coaster - is a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks. LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first coasters on January 20, 1885.

The Incredible Web Roller Coaster - create your own roller coaster on the Web

Newton's Apple - here watch a video on Hypercoasters that are about twice as tall as regular roller coasters.

Ups and Downs - Roller Coaster Designer, BC Ministry of Education. Designing a roller coaster is incredibly complex. Designers have to follow rigorous technical standards, ensure the safety of riders and operators and obey the laws of physics. As well, they may oversee the actual building of the coaster, which will take at least a year and cost up to $4 million.

Click on the picture to see the roller coaster move.

Amusement Park Physics - This interactive exhibit, part of the Exhibits Collection, explores how the laws of physics play a role in the design of amusement park rides. Activities in the exhibit invite visitors to design a roller coaster and determine the outcomes of bumper car collisions. The exhibit also includes related Web sites.

Build Your Coaster - build it bigger :: build a coaster.

Build It Bigger - Discovery Channel video series about roller coasters.

How to Build a Roller Coaster - build your own roller coaster in your own backyard.

How Roller Coasters Work - do you want to know exactly how roller coasters work? Find out what drives this amusement park favorite right here.

Download NoLimits Rollercoaster Simulation - Build A Roller Coaster Game, free demo.

Energy Transformation on a Roller Coaster - A roller coaster ride is a thrilling experience which involves a wealth of physics.

Roller Coaster Reference Page - Thrills and Chills Without the Spills, Roller Coaster Physics for Middle School Students

Note: Take the Challenge: Design and build a roller coaster that creates thrills and chills without the spills!