Amusement Park Physics With a NASA Twist - Space Flight Systems ...

Roller Coasters—Loops—Nonattending Students
Ground Measurements
The loops of a roller coaster are not circles; they are called
clothoid loops. Circular loops require a higher amount of
speed to keep the riders from falling out when they are
upside down. Roller coasters use clothoid loops, which have
a smaller radius at the top of the loop, and a longer radius
where the cars enter and exit the loop (see fig. 1).
Why do you think roller coasters use clothoid loops instead
of circular loops
Roller Coasters—Loops—Nonattending Students
Ride Measurements
Figure 1.
1.
If you rode a coaster loop at high speeds and paid close attention to whether you felt heavier,
lighter, or normal in your seat, how do you think you would feel in the various locations Refer to
figure 2 to assist you when completing the following table (select one per row).
Location of ride Heavier Lighter Normal
Going into loop (A)
At top of loop (B)
Going out of loop (C)
2.
A rider experiences a different sensation when sitting in the front
than sitting in the back. First, one would ride the coaster seated
in a front car. Second, he or she would ride the coaster again
seated in a back car. Finally, the rider would try sitting in the
middle of the coaster. In which seat location do you think the
rider would experience faster speeds at the top of the loop
B
3.
If you had a hat on your head while riding and your hat fell
off as the coaster car approached the top of the loop,
which way would it go, ignoring air resistance (Caution:
Do not actually try this on the ride!)
a) Draw the path of the hat by drawing an arrow on figure 2.
b) Which of Newton’s laws applies to the hat when it leaves
your head. State the complete law below.
A
C
Figure 2.
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Amusement Park Physics With a NASA Twist
EG–2003–03–010–GRC