Physicist

PHYSICIST


ROLE DESCRIPTION� 
The physicist studies and analyzes the 
properties and 
interactions of matter and energy with roller coasters.


Your task -
Visit the links below.  Record your 
responses to each 
task.  Read to find details to complete the following:


  1.   
Roller coasters only use the external energy of an engine to pull it up to 
the top of the first hill.  After that, no more external energy will be 
added to it. So, what makes them go?  Read for details in the �What Goes 
Up...�  and �Work and Energy� links to explain how the two types of 
energy work, potential and kinetic, in a roller coaster.  Play the 
simulation at the 
�What Goes Up�� link to help you understand the concept of roller 
coasters and potential and kinetic energy better.  Draw a diagram that 
explains how the two types of energy work in a roller coaster. 

  
  2.     
Click here
 to view 
a coaster simulation.   Describe the ride�s 
transformations of energy from beginning to end.  Click here for 
more on transformations of energy. 

 
 3.     
Without a centripetal force, an object cannot travel in circular motion.  As 
an object moves in a circle, it is constantly changing its direction.  
Because of this, it accelerates.  Click 
here to read about centripetal force.  How are Newton�s 1st and 2nd Law 
of Motion applied here?  Use details from the text and the cartoon 
animations  in the text to help you respond.  Also, explain how this applies 
to riders on a roller coaster.  
 
  4.     
Click the links in the 3 activities below, A, B, and C.  Read and then view 
the animations or illustrations.  Which Law of Motion is being illustrated 
in each?  How does each animation relate to the physics of roller coasters?  
For more clarification on each law, click the "Newton's Three Laws 
of 
Motion" link at the bottom of this page.
  A.  
Truck and ladder
  B.  
Elephant and feather 
  C.  
"For every action..."


 5.     
Use �Inspiration� or �Microsoft Word� to draw, label, and explain each of 
Newton�s 3 Laws of Motion, as related to roller coasters.  (Law 1 
is �inertia�,; Law 2 is �acceleration�; Law 3 is �interaction�)  Click 
the �Newton�s�� and �Physics� links  for information.  The �What Goes Up..� 
link may help, also.   Click here for samples of �Inspiration� diagrams.

 6.    
Be ready to present and explain your findings to your team.  You and your 
team will use this information for the design of your ultimate scream 
machine.

LINKS


How Does A Roller Coaster Work?                                 

The Physics Classroom

What Goes Up Must Come Down
                                     
Inspiration diagrams


Newton�s Three Laws of Motion

                                     
Coaster Simulation

Rashida Betts, Reading Specialist
Stephen Decatur Middle School
8200 Pinewood Drive
Clinton, Maryland 20735
To contact me:
rashida.betts@pgcps.org