How Do Roller Coasters Use Forces and Motion?

[15torril]

An explanation of how the ride uses forces and motion. What makes the motion start? What makes it stop? Does the ride move down? What force causes this motion? Does friction affect the ride? Where and how does the ride accelerate?

 

[rcgldr]

An explanation of how the ride uses forces and motion. What makes the motion start?

For most roller coasters, a motor rotates a chain drive used to lift the coaster up the hill. Some use linear induction motors between track and coaster to accelerate and/or lift a coaser.

What makes it stop?

Some type of braking mechanism at the track, usually two long pads that squeeze together onto a rail at the bottom of the coaster cars.

The rest of the questions you should be able to figure out by observing coasters in videos on in person.