The Anatomy of a Roller Coaster

The Anatomy of a Roller Coaster

To adequately understand the relationship between physics and roller coasters, it is essential to first describe and explain the basic structure of roller coasters. In simple terms, a roller coaster is much like that of a passenger train. To explain, a roller coaster consists of a series of connected cars that move on tracks. However, unlike a train, a roller coaster has no engine, or rather a power source of its own.

There are two major types of roller coasters, characterized mainly by their track structure. The tracks of wooden roller coasters are similar to those of traditional railroad tracks, as metal wheels of the roller coaster roll on a flat metal strip that is bolted to a sturdy running track made of laminated wood (How Roller Coasters Work). A majority of wooden roller coasters have the same wheel design as that of a train, where the inner part of the wheel has a wide lip that prevents the car from rolling off the side of the track. Additionally, wooden roller coasters also have another set of wheels that run underneath the track, keeping the cars from flying up into the air. Wooden coaster tracks are braced by wooden crossties and diagonal support beams; the entire track structure rests on an intricate lattice of wooden or steel beams (How Roller Coasters Work). With the wooden roller coaster structure, designers can combine hills, twists, and turns into an infinite variety of course layouts. In wooden roller coasters, however, the exhilarating motion is mainly up and down.

The second type of major roller coaster, based on tubular steel tracks, was introduced in the 1950s. Consisting of a pair of long steel tubes, this particular track structure is supported by a sturdy, l...

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...), roller coaster designers incorporate tight fits and near misses to create the sensation that the rider is traveling through the structure at out-of-control speeds.

In review, in relation to the anatomy, basic workings, and sensations found in roller coasters, physics definitely plays a critical role. More specifically, without the laws of physics, or rather the incorporation of physics, roller coasters would be unknown to the world of entertainment. With the incorporation of physics, roller coaster designers have been able to create better, faster, and more unimaginable thrills with complete accuracy and safety. As mentioned previously, although physics is found in essentially every facet of life, I would like to believe that the majority of entertainment-seeking enthusiasts are grateful that the application of physics isn’t simply restricted to the classroom.