Question 1

How do roller coasters move without an engine?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters use gravity to move. They start by going up a big hill, and when they go down, gravity pulls them fast along the track.

Question 2

What is gravity?

Accepted Answer

Gravity is a force that pulls things towards the ground. It's why when you throw a ball up, it comes back down.

Question 3

Why do roller coasters have big hills at the start?

Accepted Answer

Big hills give roller coasters the energy they need to keep moving along the track. It's like getting a big push to start a race.

Question 4

What happens when a roller coaster goes through a loop?

Accepted Answer

When a roller coaster goes through a loop, it feels like you're being pressed into your seat. This feeling is caused by the force called 'centripetal force'.

Question 5

What are G-forces?

Accepted Answer

G-forces are the feeling of being pushed or pulled on a roller coaster, like when you're pushed back in your seat. It's a measure of how much gravity is pulling on you.

Question 6

Why do we feel our stomachs drop on a roller coaster?

Accepted Answer

When a roller coaster moves quickly down a hill, you feel lighter because gravity isn't pulling on you as strongly at that moment, making your stomach feel funny.

Question 7

How do roller coasters stay on the track?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters have special wheels that grip the track tightly. This keeps them from falling off, even when they're upside down.

Question 8

What makes roller coasters thrilling?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters are thrilling because they move fast, go up and down hills, and sometimes go upside down, which makes us feel excited and a little scared.

Question 9

Why do roller coasters go so fast?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters go fast because gravity pulls them down the hills, and there's nothing slowing them down much because they're on smooth tracks.

Question 10

How do roller coasters stop safely?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters use special brakes on the tracks to slow them down and stop safely at the end of the ride.

Question 11

What is energy in a roller coaster?

Accepted Answer

Energy on a roller coaster is what makes it move. It starts as energy going up a hill, then changes to moving energy when it goes down.

Question 12

Why don't we fall out when the coaster is upside down?

Accepted Answer

Even when upside down, you're safe because the roller coaster is moving fast, and the forces keep you in your seat.

Question 13

What are loops and twists on roller coasters called?

Accepted Answer

Loops and twists on roller coasters are called 'inversions'. They are designed to make rides more exciting and fun.

Question 14

How high do roller coasters go?

Accepted Answer

Some roller coasters can go really high, over 400 feet! The height makes the ride more thrilling and gives the coaster more energy to use.

Question 15

Why do we scream on roller coasters?

Accepted Answer

We scream because we're excited, a little scared, and having fun! The fast movements and drops make us want to let out a big yell.

Question 16

How do roller coasters turn corners so fast?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters turn corners using curved tracks that guide them smoothly, and their wheels are designed to grip the tracks even at high speeds.

Question 17

What materials are roller coasters made of?

Accepted Answer

Roller coasters are usually made of strong steel and sometimes wood. These materials help keep the coaster sturdy and safe.

Question 18

Are all roller coasters the same?

Accepted Answer

No, roller coasters can be very different! They can vary in size, speed, and the kinds of twists and turns they have.

Question 19

How do engineers design roller coasters?

Accepted Answer

Engineers use computers to design roller coasters. They plan the track and make sure it's safe and fun for people to ride.

Question 20

Why do people like riding roller coasters?

Accepted Answer

People like roller coasters because they're exciting. The speed, heights, and surprises give a thrilling feeling that many people enjoy.

The Physics of Roller Coasters: How Thrills and G-forces Work - 20 FAQs Explained Simply