PHYSICS
1. ROLLER COASTER
The underlying principle of all roller coasters is the law of conservation of energy, which describes
how energy can neither be lost nor created; energy is only transferred from one form to another. In roller
coasters, the two forms of energy that are most important are gravitational potential energy and kinetic
energy. Gravitational potential energy is the energy that an object has because of its height (P.E. = mgh).
Gravitational potential energy is greatest at the highest point of a roller coaster and least at the lowest
point. Kinetic energy is energy an object has because of its motion (K.E. = 1/2 mv 2). Kinetic energy is
greatest at the lowest point of a roller coaster and least at the highest point. Potential and kinetic energy
can be exchanged for one another, so at certain points the cars of a roller coaster may have just potential
energy (at the top of the first hill), just kinetic energy (at the lowest point) or some combination of kinetic
and potential energy (at all other points).
Friction exists in all roller coasters, and it takes away from the useful energy and gives heat that is why
roller coasters cannot go on forever.
AFTER EFFECTS OF ROLLER COASTER
If we go fast enough, the force of gravity can stop the flow of blood to our brains and eyes, causing
blackouts or temporary blindness, we may also feel headaches after the rides. Thus we should not ride
roller coasters very often.
It is a good source of income as people enjoy riding them without realizing their after effects.
2. Ferris wheel
Ferris wheel physics is directly related to centripetal acceleration, which results in the riders
feeling "heavier" or "lighter" depending on their position on the Ferris wheel. The Ferris
wheel consists of an upright wheel with passenger gondolas (seats) attached to the rim.
These gondolas can freely pivot at the support where they are connected to the Ferris
wheel. As a result, the gondolas always hang downwards at all times as the Ferris wheel
spins. While riding the Ferris wheel we feel the heaviest at the top and lightest at the
bottom.
