The Physics behind Roller Coasters

Many people do not realize the force driven behind rolle coasters is not from electric energy, but potential and kinetic energy. The mechanism of roller coasters is all about the physics behind the energy from its motions.

Think about when you lift a textbook above the table, what is happening to the book? It's actually gaining potential energy because when the book is dropped at some point, the energy can be observed and heard when the book hits the table. This is all because another force - gravity, is acting on the object. Relate this observation to rollercoasters, the potential energy of the rollercoaster will be highest when it's at the highest peak of the rail, because more kinetic energy will be produced when it swoshes down the rail. Therefore, as the coaster travels lower and lower, it converts all of its potential energy into kinetic energy. So the potential energy is the lowest when its at a low altitude, but inversely, kinetic energy is the highest.

Modern roller coasters usually have a launcher, which gives it an extra push to begin with, building up more kinetic energy.We know that energy cannot be created or destroyed, rollercoasters work on the principles of the conversion of one form of energy into another. However, in theory, the train should be able to climb to its original height after the first drop (energy conversion). But dissipative forces such as friction and air resistance denies this possiblity. This is why the first peak for a rollercoast is always the highest in order for it to gain more potential energy.