Achievement Task

The Mechanics of Roller Coasters

September 2001

Scenario

Part A: Research

1. Describe the energy conversions for a roller coaster car during a typical roller coaster ride.  Illustrate your understanding of these conversions by completing the sample calculations for a roller coaster.  A sketch of a roller coaster with relevant information can be found by clicking on the icon to the left.
2. Relate kinetic and potential energy to speed and height and use specific equations to calculate the actual speed and given heights during a sample roller coaster ride. A sketch of a roller coaster with relevant information can be found by clicking on the icon to the left.
3. Roller coaster riders experience a variety of physiological symptoms while riding a roller coaster.  Research what is known about these symptoms and relate specific symptoms to the motion experienced by a roller coaster rider.
4. How do roller coaster designers build safety measures into a ride?  What considerations must be made during the design process?
5. Use the internet to collect statistics about any roller coaster constructed in the past 5 years.  Given the set of statistics estimate…
   1. how much work must be done to pull the roller coaster car to the top of the first hill
   2. the kinetic energy of the roller coaster car at the base of the first drop.
   3. the speed of the car at the base of the first drop

Part B: Testing and Inquiry

RUReady Amusements will need to see a model of your proposed roller coaster ride.  Remember you are on a tight budget so the use of relatively inexpensive construction materials is recommended. (cardboard and water pipe insulation are both good choices).

 Your model should have the following components…

1. a unique method to gain enough speed for to coast up the first ramp (you may not use the conventional vertical drop)
2. a “trick” component such as a loop or ramp
3. the model car must come to rest before running out of track

Part C: Analyze and Reflect

1. Why did you choose your method of initial propulsion?
2. Describe the energy conversions that occur while your roller coaster car is accelerating?
3. Calculate the work done by your propulsion system?
4. By calculation, determine the speed of your roller coaster car just as it leaves the propulsion unit
5. What did you have to consider in order to bring your roller coaster car to a stop before it reached the end of the track.
6. Does the motion of a roller coaster support the Law of Conservation of Energy? Justify your answer.

Part D: Communicate

A written submission should be made to the RUReady project coordinator 1 week prior to the presentation of the roller coaster model (answers to questions posed in Part A).

1. Your group will be required to present your model to the RUReady project coordinator on the date assigned. Use the following as guidelines for your presentation.
2. describe your propulsion system and explain how sufficient energy is transferred to your roller coaster car
3. state the top speed of your roller coaster car and explain the physics behind your calculation
4. sell your "trick" / why should RUReady build your roller coaster
5. how did you consider the safety of your riders in your design process