What are the forces involved in roller coasters?

The main force that acts on a roller coaster is gravity. Gravity is the force of attraction between two objects that have mass. The greater the mass of an object, the greater the gravitational force acting on it.

Normal force

The normal force is the force exerted by a surface on an object that is in contact with it. The normal force is always perpendicular to the surface. The normal force acting on a roller coaster car is exerted by the track. The normal force prevents the roller coaster car from falling off the track.

Friction

Friction is the force that opposes the motion of two objects that are in contact with each other. The greater the force of friction, the more difficult it is for the objects to move. Friction acts between the wheels of the roller coaster car and the track. The friction force helps to slow down the roller coaster car.

Centripetal force

Centripetal force is the force that acts on an object moving in a circular path. The centripetal force is always directed towards the center of the circle. The centripetal force acting on a roller coaster car is exerted by the track. The centripetal force prevents the roller coaster car from flying off the track.

Kinetic energy

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. The greater the mass of an object and the faster it is moving, the greater the kinetic energy. The roller coaster car has kinetic energy because it is moving. The kinetic energy of the roller coaster car is converted into potential energy as it goes up hills and back into kinetic energy as it goes down hills.

Potential energy

Potential energy is the energy of position. The greater the mass of an object and the higher it is located, the greater the potential energy. The roller coaster car has potential energy because it is located at a height above the ground. The potential energy of the roller coaster car is converted into kinetic energy as it goes down hills.