Coaster Dynamics: Tell Me More



Coaster Dynamics
Tell Me More about:

Roller Coasters and Physics
The motion of a roller coaster car is governed by the branch of physics known as Classical, or Newtonian Physics (named after Isaac Newton).

The fundamental principles that relate to roller coasters are energy and nonconservative work.

The most important types of energy for a roller coaster are kinetic energy (the energy of motion) and potential energy (the energy resulting from gravity).

Nonconservative work is what consumes the energy the roller coaster car begins with... that is, it is what makes the car slow down. The most important causes of nonconservative work are friction between the car's wheels and the roller coaster track, and air resistance.

Think about these concepts as you use
Coaster Dynamics... and think about how they impact the many aspects of other activities happening all around you.

To learn more about roller coaster physics, see the Coaster Dynamics Physics Primer and the Coaster Dynamics Coaster Lab Lessons.