The Physics of Roller Coasters

Roller coasters give people the opportunity to experience physics in dramatic ways. In this episode of SciShow, we break down how physics work on roller coasters to give you the ride of your life!
Hosted by: Michael Aranda
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Sources:
www.coaster101.com/2013/09/25/...
www.britannica.com/science/hy...
physics.bu.edu/~duffy/py105/Be...
hydraulicspneumatics.com/200/T...
themeparks.about.com/od/roller...
hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/...
science.howstuffworks.com/engi...
www.britannica.com/topic/roll...
hydraulicspneumatics.com/200/T...
physics.gu.se/LISEBERG/eng/mag...
web.mit.edu/8.02t/www/material...
www.feynmanlectures.caltech.ed...
www.explainthatstuff.com/eddy-...
physics.bu.edu/~duffy/PY106/In...
www.britannica.com/science/Le...
hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/...
www.princeton.edu/ssp/joseph-...
www.physics.byu.edu/faculty/b...
math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physics...
Images:
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
pixabay.com/en/roller-coaster...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...

[@spugintrntl]

I had to restart the video because I was distracted by your shirt.

[@halher-3033]

Same

[@hdef6602]

yeah xD

[@muchozolf]

Why is it?

[@GilesBathgate]

Responsible people take steps to prepare to watch this video.

[@xavierh3264]

+Giles Bathgate stop distracting me!!!

[@TwentyJuan2121]

Lol just refreshed to see if there were any new vids and this came up 12 seconds ago.

[@Froglasso]

If your a coster enthusiast then this is like a retake of the first day of school

[@tobiasf.j.4438]

TRUE!!!

[@ilusnforc3]

On my first day of school I learned the difference between your and you're.

[@Hi_its_me_actually_me]

​@@ilusnforc3 I learned how to spe) coaster

[@mucho_croissant]

You should've talked about linear induction motors and linear synchronous motors for launches. They're more common than hydraulic launch systems.

[@alveolate]

could've done with some impressive stats on the forces involved in average roller coasters. maybe a mention of fastest speeds, highest G-forces, largest loops, etc. and some shout outs to the engineers and designers, who have to work the physics into real-life constructions. safety mechanisms could also use a good mention, along with what happens when they're ignored or fail. i should become a scriptwriter for SciShow.

[@johnanders8861]

The picture of the skid brakes is a picture on the Thunderbolt in Kennywood in West Mifflin, PA. My home amusement park. So cool

[@SolsticePeltier]

This taught me more in 3 minutes than my physics teacher did in a year

[@prump]

so that physics class is 7 years ago

[@azdaze227]

I'm a big scishow fan plus physics nerd who has been playing roller-coaster tycoon and watching a bunch of videos for it, finally the KZbin algorithm found the absolute perfect video for me

[@sefayildirim3775]

I literally just came back from Thorpe park a few hours ago lol the timing is on point

[@Roboheart1119]

Excellent video. This guy's a top dog. Expert physics explanations without dumbing it down for John and Jane Q America

[@mattdangerg]

Woulda never guess there was so much physics involved! Incredible

[@jess.hawkins]

Fascinating! One minor correction at the end: magnetic brakes on coasters generally can't bring the car to a complete stop, so they're unsuitable for use as a parking brake. There will be a mechanical brake of some kind at the stopping locations. The magnetic brakes can reduce almost all of the train's momentum, however.

[@learnchinese8798]

Love roller coasters! Love this video :-)

[@joolzzenda]

I'd never really thought about how those fast accelerating roller coasters worked, that's really cool :)

[@prcngnpkmn]

As someone that is studying to design these, I love this video. :D

[@AdrenalineJunkieXL]

literally was thinking days ago that Sci show should do an episode on roller coasters like omg this is freaking me out

[@Master_Therion]

I'm sooooo disappointed with this SciShow video. You missed the perfect opportunity to film your explanation while riding on a roller coaster. Who thinks Michael Aranda should be punished with a trip to an amusement park to re-shoot this episode?

[@Darticus42]

If they did that then no one would hear them.

[@rapaladude]

+Darticus the Great yes you could. I've seen science demonstrations on a roller coaster before.

[@camicus-3249]

Punished? Pfft... That's a gift! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@dafrandle]

yeah or it would be a video of him getting his phone confiscated, no joke, I was in valleyfair a few weeks ago and we got stopped on the chainlift on wildthing about 3/4 the way up because someone had there phone out so someone walked all the way up from the station to confiscate it

[@InformationBlast]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

[@phantasm1234]

Can you do one on cerebral aneurysms? I had one rupture at 19 and would love to learn more!

[@FlyingJetpack1]

oh hello there cerebral aneurysms guy, keep it going champ.

[@doxielain2231]

Wait, you are still alive? You are one very, very, very lucky person.

[@amypaterson3369]

Thank you this helped me with my physics assignment!

[@hashidatackey8758]

Awesome video! I went to universal studio and Disney Hollywood studios yesterday! And the day before that

[@rhollister9029]

As a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts and a long time fan of Sci-Show, I feel obligated to tell everyone so they can further their coaster experiences and endeavors. Coaster 1: Nitro at Six Flags Great Adventure Coaster 2: King Da Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure Coaster 3: Millenium Force at Cedar Point Coaster 4: Unknown Coaster 5: Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point (+SciShow This ride doesn't use the LIM, but uses hydraulics like King da Ka) I hope this helped anyone out! :P

[@danbert8]

Top Thrill does use LIM for braking as described in the video. It uses them for regular braking and also for contingency braking for roll backs.

[@deathpony698]

nitro is pretty average if you ask me

[@rhollister9029]

danbert87 Thanks for correcting me. It's always nice to see someone who can help someone else :P

[@rhollister9029]

deathpony698 Nitro has received countless awards, is an airtime machine, and by many is known as the 3rd, 4th, or 5th best coaster in the world. It's a B and M hyper, why is that average? Please elaborate?

[@deathpony698]

R Hollister Idk man, im not into this stuff. I just didn't like how that one feels. It's the negative G's or something.

[@Neontronique]

I loved this episode and I loved the shirt.

[@CoopyKat]

SO cool..........I always wondered exactly how rollercoasters worked......I was only on one ONCE in my life, much of it was terrifying! 😮

[@KingRCT3]

+SciShow : A slight mistake: A permanent magnet can't stop a train, because its strenght is related to the velocity. The higher the velocity is, the stronger the braking force will be, which is quite handy. But on the other hand, the lower the speed is, the weaker the braking is... So in the end it can't stop the train, in theory. In reality, friction (both air and contact friction) will do the job, but manufacturer usually have a friction brake or a friction tire at the end for that purpose.

[@lordhorck]

You guys forgot to talk about those roller coasters that use eletromagnets to accelerate the car

[@TheVinijuan]

+Minn505 and positive g force

[@TheMasterfulcreator]

accelerate the train*

[@thebravesirrobin.]

+Minn505 It also has misleading explanations of Lenz's Law and magnetic brakes. You can go find my other comment on this video if you're curious how they're wrong.

[@aWildLupi]

I was about to say, why didn't they talk about Linear Electric Motors?

[@TheJaredtheJaredlong]

I think you mean Linear Induction Motors.

[@minimash2485]

This was a roller coaster of emotions for me

[@ImProvementSC2]

Great and interesting video!

[@pauleffinger7122]

I used to hate the Superman at Darien Lake because of how scary it looked, but now I love ever since I went on it.

[@DekuStickGamer]

Can you guys do a vid on why perfectly circular loops are dangerous, and why we use "tear-shaped" loops instead?

[@General12th]

Supposedly, tear-shaped loops distribute the g-forces better. You don't feel as much jerk, which is better on the body.

[@Justin.Franks]

Less neck strain. Having ridden a coaster with a circular loop, I can definitely confirm that the teardrop loops are more comfortable. But it's not dangerous.

[@REzado63]

Please use imperial measuments, even flash them on the screen when saying metric. I'm sure I'm not that only one out there that would appreciate that. Thank you. Also, could you possibly do an episode on heat seeking missile technology? Thanks again, you guys are great!

[@ashleyherrera4744]

I love roller coasters thanks for the video

[@Arbenowskee]

Love your shirt man.

[@mariahfloat4541]

I love seeing the rides from cedarpoint and the thunderbolt from my hometown amusement park called kennywood in Pittsburgh PA (:

[@BBBuilds12]

Top thrill dragster is an amazing rollercoaster. Millennium Force is great too.

[@hetakusoda2977]

CEDER POINT FTW!

[@AlterBound]

I will allow your preference for Top Thrill Dragster even though Kingda Ka is taller and faster :) (not really by much anyway)

[@BBBuilds12]

+Samantha D. Yeah but top thrill dragster only has lap bar restraints and no shoulder restraints, so it gives a more open experience, especially at the top.

[@AlterBound]

Sounds like a pretty sweet time! I hope to make it there one day to ride it. I can't imagine riding it without a shoulder harness haha.

[@rafetizer]

Pretty sure it has shoulder harness man, though its been about 5 years since I last rode Top Thrill. I remember not being able to put my hands up much past the top of my head due to the harness. Still, it's an awesome ride.

[@blivion7203]

I was on the Red Force rollercoaster and I asked myself- How is this even possible? Being 112m above the ground accelerating to 180[km/h] within only 5 seconds, with the massive overload on the railway track. I really liked The Paraborollercoaster... (a.k.a Red Force).

[@mattbanka7236]

Enjoyed how most pics were from Top Thrill Dragster :3

[@ellies_silly_zoo]

Just saying, there are also LIM and LSM (both magnetic) launches, air-powered launches, and the good old flywheel launches and weight-drop launches, and maybe more that I'm forgetting. And also while you were already talking about airtime, might aswell mention negative Gs that are arguably even better than weightlessness. Yes I know the comment is too late.

[@goofytycooner5519]

Describing LIM and LSM magnetic launch systems would've been cool. Also, magnetic brake systems cant stop a train, so both magnetic and friction brakes need to be used.

[@hackleberrym]

Cool video, Jim

[@charlietuba]

There is a roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm called Montezuma's Revenge. The initial force to start the car is powered by a flywheel. Also the California Screamin' roller coaster at Disney's California Adventure uses an induction motor for the initial force.

[@cricardol]

A little note, these magnetic brakes also generate heat when the eddy current dissipate... Law of conservation of energy again

[@user-hg6np1iq3o]

It is good discussion, and in 3 second I subscribe!

[@finbar163]

I've also seen ones that accelerate with rows of tires spinning in opposite directions on either side of the car. Yes, just like with hot wheels.

[@marshmellow6152]

This video would have been great when I did my physics assignment on theme park physics!

[@itsAltoClarinet]

In high school we had physics day where we'd go to Six Flags and solve problems pertaining to certain rides. It was so much fun!

[@featherfluffstudios8597]

You forgot about lagoons wicked. It uses electro magnetics to shoot it up over its hill. It is a really fun experience because there is No hesitation when going up the huge hill, you simply hear some sirens, turn a small corner, and then you get to the magnets and shoot up.

[@shakthishakthi6423]

Good video amazing😊

[@haileyv4194]

Omg I just went on the roller coaster shown at 0:19 yesterday. Its Nitro from six flags great adventure.

[@IceehawkPSN]

0:25 is kingda ka in six flags of new jersey, it launches you incredibly fast and you're already back from the ride in like 20 seconds

[@ItTakesII]

This just got me way more terrified about roller coasters. I think this is one of the few instances in which not knowing was better.

[@mizanisk]

This video has its up and downs

[@upandatom]

How do they get videos out so fast? it's like 1 a day!

[@nandosmuncher69]

They probably make like 10000 vids at once then upload them all in n a week

[@TheSkogemann]

I feel that this episode could be 20-30 minutes. There is a lot more to this. :-)

[@ThunderGun2]

Cool vid.

[@weepingbelle4528]

This is especially interesting as I'm at Disney World right now

[@user-dx8nj7qj2g]

so 2:00 so thats what that really nice feeling is its only gravitate pulling you down

[@luc6284]

Coaster Enthusiasts call it "airtime"

[@SportKidKing]

Nice video

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

Actually, the magnetic brakes aren't enough to bring the train to a complete stop, so they do include some friction brakes after the magnetic brakes.

[@LemonadeMouthSomebod]

What steps does one take to prepare for a nap?

[@Skyerzen]

DUDE! Make one about the physics of Motorcycles! You will find there's a lot of fascinating nerdy stuff about them!

[@hokagepower]

Can you please make a video on Quantum Wells and their applications in telecommunication.

[@waseealam7136]

Hehe I came back from Canada's wonderland just now and I went on the roller coasters hehe

[@Halamadridistas]

Cool vid

[@Karreth]

Over here we have a roller coaster that's accelerated by a strong magnetic field (I think they use switching electromagnets like maglev), which makes the rollercoaster accelerate really fast at what feels like constant acceleration for two seconds or so, and it's easily the best part of the ride.

[@timcampo]

Could you please also do an episode about the heart line and the shape of loopings. Thx

[@Justin.Franks]

Eddy current brakes cannot bring a roller coaster to a complete stop. As the velocity decreases, the strength of the eddy currents also decreases, causing a decreased braking force. Friction brakes are required to fully stop the train and hold it in place.

[@scienceandmusicmix]

Yay kennywood! @ 2:12 Thunderbolt = best wooden rollercoaster

[@NewBorn6166]

My physics teacher's version of "You have to walk before you can run" was "You have to learn to resolve forces before you can build rollercoasters."

[@JazzyNym]

Was at King's Dominion the other day. Pretty sure I got a concussion from all the rides that felt the need to stop within like 2 seconds. "Gradually come to a stop" my ass; for some reason they feel the need to slam on the breaks to stop the car even when they've got a bunch of track left -_-

[@araknidude]

how nice of you to release this on the firsf day of school

[@JAndersonThe2nd]

school started for me on july 28

[@kushshah4554]

First day of school is different for everyone dumbass he's not going to cater just to you

[@araknidude]

***** dude chill it's a joke

[@tallatech]

+J.Anderson The2nd School starts for me sometime in September

[@vedritmathias9193]

I need his shirt. "Responsible people take steps to prepare for a nap." Yes.

[@StanLTU]

Is there a single roller coaster in the world that uses eddy current as breaks ? Please provide a link to article or case study. Many thanks, Luke.

[@joshuaperrine2019]

They also use magnets to launch the trains, not just for stopping

[@Seaside_Seanster]

Love the T-shirt. Where can I get one?

[@myyoutubehandlename]

"Hydraulic Accumulator" sounds like something you'd hear on Pheneous and Ferb.

[@chaseee__]

Millenium Force Thumbnail. I Rode it. Its fun, and very well explained, but that picture of Millenium Force after the launch explanation, but Millenium Force isn't a launch coaster.

[@Nono-hk3is]

In the magnetic braking system, exactly where does heat get produced? In the metal fins? Or does the kinetic energy first get turned into electricity, then into a load such as resistors, where it changes to heat?

[@phy7s745]

*I love physics*

[@KettouRyuujin]

There's also magnetic launch systems and all.

[@jacoballen2664]

I love the shirt

[@fiercedietygaming2651]

I love that shirt

[@SuperSMT]

Some coasters also use electromagnetic launches

[@asiaw8888]

Kinda glad I took physics in high school to understand some of this, even though I despise physics

[@petrapribolsan6997]

I need that shirt 😂

[@AlaricXIII]

I was disappointed that they left out that a linear induction motor can be used for launch like California Screamin'.

[@kalexambing2507]

I would love to see a maglev style roller coaster.

[@tonyp114]

Anyone else notice the pic they used to show skid brakes is the Thunderbolt at Kennywood?

[@WilliamButcher4455]

Some rides i have been on just take the "train" up and then gravity does the rest of the job and by the time you get back where you start you will have lost all of the gravitational energy into air resistance as there is no brakes at the end of some

[@aidenpearce9066]

So are you doing rap or explain? This dude: *YES*

[@SaberusTerras]

You didn't mention magnetic launchers / linear induction motors like the Mr. Freeze in Six Flags Over Texas at Arlington.

[@jonaquinn47]

I would like to know if you where in orbit around the Earth, would you still have the feeling of "butterfly's in you'r stomach" as you would still be in free fall. Or if the g-force of being pulled down by the cart creates the feeling

[@davidhwang2306]

Can you explain what would happen if two gravity fields collide with each other?

[@IrraCtical]

This is incredibly clear and simply explained, thank you so much! 🎢

[@funkyfranx]

Baby, life with me is a like a roller coaster It's got weight restriction

[@sidaship8226]

Yes

[@BeyReaper]

Just nitpicking here. The illustration at 3:04 shows the eddy current flowing in a counterclockwise rotation when really it should've been rotating in a clockwise rotation due to the right-hand rule.

[@blitzn00dle50]

I am so proud of you for not saying that you don't fall out of a vertical loop in a roller coaster because of the forces. That explanation for loops fails to explain why you don't fall out of any other element.

[@GoHardMang]

Ah roller coasters scare the shit out of me, I can only imagine how a corkscrew or multiple loops would feel X.X

[@sad_depressed_weeb4996]

He's shirt is dope....😂😂😂

[@terrycorner8057]

There are more type of rollercoaster launches than just hydraulic launches such as pneumatic etc