Physics Of Roller coasters
By: CJ Canfield
Types of energy in roller coasters
more roller coaster questions answerd below
Roller coaster function with energy
wooden coaster vs steel coaster
The construction of a wooden roller coaster is different from the construction of a steel roller coaster. To start with wooden roller coasters take a lot more work to build. This is, because there are a lot more pieces to building a wooden roller coaster. Also it is harder to make sure that everything is built safely. Wooden roller coasters are built piece by piece on site, as to steel coasters which are usually built in a factory, and put together on site. That also means that there is less time in the building process for steel coasters. Also for the wooden coasters along the side of the whole coaster, there has to be walkways for maintenance, these are build with a lot of wood. With steel coasters these walkways for maintenance are just welded on. Making the whole process easier. So with the construction of the roller coasters, steel roller coasters are easier to build.
Also there is a difference in the ride of the roller coasters. With a steel roller coaster you will most likely do loops, and go upside down. But also the ride is smoother compared to being bumpy, like a wooden roller coaster. Also while riding wooden roller coasters the ride is more likely to whip and jerk you, also the ride will probably just make a lot of turns, and go up and down hills. So in the end steel roller coasters have more benefits, and are used more commonly in amusement parks for certain reasons.