Amusement Park Physics

By: Jennifer Birky

Introduction:

Six Flags.  Cedar Point.  Disneyworld.  King's Island.  What do all of these have in common?  Most people who are roller coaster lovers like I am know that these are all famous amusement parks.  I have always been a big fan of amusement parks and I try to go to them whenever I have the chance.  Every time I step onto a ride, though, I always wonder what makes them work? How can these rides that imitate danger so well, actually be so safe?  It is the principle laws of physics that make these rides "go."  To find out more on how physics impacts amusement park rides, read on at my research paper.

To find more research on how physics affects amusement park rides, click on these links.

To build your own rollercoaster, visit Exhibits Collection-Amusement Park Physics

To find out more about the Historical Roots behind the Physics of Roller coasters, go to the Coaster Enthusiasts of Canada website.

To learn more about the differences between steel and wooden roller coasters, visit Wikipedia.

To find out more about the "roller coaster capital of the world," click on Cedar Point Amusement Park. 

About Me:

My name is Jennifer Birky and I am from Gibson City, IL.  I am a sophomore at Hesston College this year, majoring in Physical therapy and participating on the Women's Basketball team.  This webpage and research paper was done for a Physics I project.  For more information about Hesston College, click on the following link.   Hesston College Homepage

Other sites:

Hesston College Physics Homepage