WebQuest

Physics and Roller Coasters

Process

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As you investigate the physics of roller coasters, you will need to add energy concepts to your inventory of physics ideas.  Write your answers to these questions in your lab journal in clear, full sentences:

   Background Information: (Use resource sheets for help.)

1.    State the law of conservation of energy.

2.    Define mechanical energy 

3.    Define kinetic energy (KE) in words and write the common equation to calculate the KE of    an object

4.    Define gravitational potential energy (GPE) and write the common equation to calculate      the GPE  of an object

Physics and Roller Coasters:

5. The Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway was the first roller coaster built in America at Coney Island, New York, in 1884. What was it made of and what was its top speed? Using specific details like names, dates, and design, explain how coasters evolved from the Gravity Pleasure Switchback Railway to those of today. What has been the biggest reason for this evolution? You may want to draw or use Microsoft Word to create a detailed timeline or chart displaying this information. Click here for details on coaster evolution. From the Switchback Railway to hypercoasters !  What's a hypercoaster? Click here and here for hypercoaster information javascript:nicTemp();.

6.  Recent lawsuits have been brought by roller coaster riders who claim injuries such as brain damage. If the size and speed of a coaster does not necessarily make it more dangerous, what does? What facts, data, and/or statistics could you present to defend the building of your ultimate roller coaster?  Click The New Roller Coasters: Thrills, Chills and Few Spills article, and the Theme Parks article for more information.  

7. Click here and here for information on wooden and steel coasters. Use Coggle or Microsoft Word to complete a Mind Map or chart comparing the wooden coaster and the tubular steel coaster. Use details from your reading to explain why more tubular steel coasters are being built at amusement parks.

8. Without a centripetal force, an object cannot travel in circular motion. As an object moves in a circle, it is constantly changing its direction.  Because of this, it accelerates. Click here to read about centripetal force. How are Newton's 1st and 2nd Law of Motion applied here? Use details from the text and the cartoon animations in the text to help you respond. Also, explain how this applies to riders on a roller coaster.  


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