« Back

Physics of a Roller Coaster

October 17th, 2024


Twenty-five students in Ms. Boucher's physics class have been constructing marble roller coasters using only paper, tape, and a cardboard base to explore key physics concepts. Before starting construction, students read about the physics of roller coasters and each student chose a real roller coaster to give a presentation on to inspire their ideas. Their designs required a hill, a loop, and two turns, demonstrating energy transfer, gravity, and inertia. The students applied their knowledge of potential and kinetic energy, as well as momentum, to ensure their coasters operated smoothly. These projects highlight how physics principles come to life through real-world design and experimentation.

The video below shows an example of one of the roller coasters in action.

 

 

Posted in the category High School.