CoasterQuest.com -- Learning About Roller Coaster Dynamics

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Building a Roller Coaster Model for purpose of understanding the
Dynamics of Roller Coasters

I have been questioned numerous times from teachers and students across the country about how to go about demonstrating the dynamics of how a roller coaster works. Can you explain what makes a roller coaster travel around the track?

Does a roller coaster race around the track because of...

A-   A lucky breeze pushes the train from behind?
B-   Gravity pulls the train toward the ground?
C-   Motors near the wheels of each car propel the whole train?
D-   Munchkins secretly hide under the track and give it a heave as it goes by?

In this section you will get some ideas on models which you can easily build to demonstrate the dynamics of a roller coaster. Select an answer above to continue to that part of the section!