Roller Coaster Reading Vocabulary

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Physics

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The branch of science that deals with matter, energy, motion, and force. It explains how things move and interact in the world.

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Potential energy

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Stored energy that an object has because of its position. For example, a roller coaster at the top of a hill has potential energy before it starts moving.

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Kinetic energy

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The energy of motion. When the roller coaster starts going down the hill, its potential energy turns into kinetic energy.

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Gravity

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The natural force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. Gravity is what makes roller coasters speed down hills and keeps riders in their seats.

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Free fall

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A condition in which an object is falling under the influence of gravity alone, with no other forces acting on it. On a roller coaster, free fall happens during sudden drops.

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Adrenaline

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A hormone released in the body when a person feels excitement, fear, or stress. It increases heart rate and energy, making people feel more alert.

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Malfunctions

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Failures or problems in a machine or system that cause it to stop working correctly. A roller coaster malfunction could mean a technical issue that affects safety.

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Extensive

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Large in amount or covering a wide area. In the article, 'extensive safety testing' means that roller coasters go through a lot of testing to make sure they are safe.

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Regulations

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Official rules or laws that control how something is done. Amusement parks must follow strict regulations to ensure their rides are safe.

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Harnesses

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Safety devices, such as straps or bars, that secure people in place during a ride. Roller coasters have harnesses to keep riders from falling out.