WIN How Roller Coasters Work

What forces primarily drive a roller coaster?

• Inertial, gravitational, and centripetal forces
• Electrical and magnetic forces
• Nuclear and chemical forces
• Frictional and tensile forces

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What traditional mechanism pulls the roller coaster to the top of the first hill?

• Linear-induction motor
• Hydraulic lift
• Chain lift
• Catapult launch

What is the main purpose of the initial ascent on a roller coaster?

• To scare the riders
• To build up potential energy
• To slow down the train
• To test the brakes

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What system uses electromagnets to launch the roller coaster?

• Chain lift
• Linear-induction motor
• Rotating wheels
• Hydraulic launch

What is the purpose of 'trim brakes' on a roller coaster?

• To stop the train immediately
• To slow down the train
• To launch the train
• To maintain speed

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What happens to the train's kinetic energy as it ascends a hill after the initial drop?

• It turns into thermal energy
• It turns into potential energy
• It turns into sound energy
• It turns into electrical energy

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What is the 'clack-clack-clack' sound heard on a roller coaster's ascent?

• The chain dogs engaging with the lift chain
• The wheels turning
• The brakes engaging
• The seats moving

Why do the hills on a roller coaster track typically decrease in height?

• To save construction costs
• To prevent the train from stopping
• Because potential energy decreases
• To increase the speed of the train

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What sensation do riders feel due to acceleration on a roller coaster?

• Weightlessness
• Magnetic pull
• Wind resistance
• Vibration

What force pulls you downward at all times on a roller coaster?

• Magnetism
• Inertia
• Gravity
• Centripetal force

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