2019 Year 12 IB Extended Essays

THE PHYSICS OF THE ROLLER COASTER

the opposite of the lateral g-force to reduce the overall net force. This helps to keep the

passengers safe and not to slide to the sides too much (Palmer, 2019). The picture below

demonstrates the design of a banked turn with vectors illustrating forces.

Fig 1.5. (Palmer, 2019)

3. The experiment 3.1 Research question How does height of release relate to the maximum radius of a circular loop a ball bearing can circulate? 3.2 Purpose of the experiment(aim):

In order to explore the concept of how roller coaster uses gravitational potential energy, I had

set up an experiment which imitates elements of a roller coaster ride: a hill and a loop. With

the radius of the loop and height of release changes constantly, I can explore how roller

coaster gain sufficient energy to complete elements of a ride such as looping. In order to

explore these concepts, this experiment helps me to find the relationship between the height

of a release of a ball bearing and the maximum radius the ball can circulate.

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IB Diploma