Roller Coaster
By:Emily Slattery
Energy of a Roller Coaster
Types if energy in a roller coaster include potential energy kinetic energy. Potential energy is energy awaiting to be used. For example on a roller coater when your held at a stop at the top of the drop. Kinetic energy is the energy used when in motion for example the roller coaster speeding down the drop. The energy changes throughout the track like when the carts are at the top of a hill it had the highest potential energy and the lowest kinetic energy. When the cart is in the middle of a drop the forces are equal. It is important the forces change throughout the roller coaster so the ride is safe smooth and enjoyable,
Wooden Vs Steel
To make a wooden coaster you need more things to make it secure than a steel coaster. Steel coasters are more secure to the ride in the first place. Also because of a wooden track not being flexable wooden rides can't make advanced turns like steel coasters can. Also because wooden roller coasters are put together piece by piece you can feel the bumps passing each piece while a steel coaster is welded together and smoother.
Roller Coaster Safety
Wooden coasters require a safety bar or another set of wheels so the cart doesn't lift off the tracks. Also most wooden coasters need side supports. Steel coasters don't need support like that they may only need side support in some cases. The brake method that is used is called the block method where blocks completely stop the coaster so is doesn't ram into the next cart and it can move the carts forward.