How does a roller coaster go up hill?

Roller coasters use a variety of techniques to climb hills, including:

Chain lift

The most common method is a chain lift. This is where a chain is attached to the coaster train and pulls it up the hill. The chain is driven by an electric motor or a gasoline engine.

Flywheel

A flywheel is a heavy wheel that stores kinetic energy. When the coaster train is at the bottom of the hill, the flywheel is spinning. As the train climbs the hill, the flywheel slows down and transfers its energy to the train.

Gravity

Gravity is the most basic force that helps roller coasters climb hills. As the coaster train goes down a hill, it gains momentum. This momentum helps the train to climb the next hill.

Magnetic launch

Magnetic launch systems use magnets to propel the coaster train up the hill. The magnets are located on the track and they interact with magnets on the train. This interaction creates a magnetic force that pushes the train up the hill.

Linear induction motor

A linear induction motor (LIM) is a type of electric motor that can generate a linear force. LIMs are used to propel coaster trains up hills. The LIMs are located on the track and they interact with magnets on the train. This interaction creates a magnetic force that pushes the train up the hill.

Hydraulic launch

Hydraulic launch systems use hydraulic pressure to propel the coaster train up the hill. The hydraulic fluid is pumped into a cylinder and it pushes a piston that is connected to the coaster train. This force propels the train up the hill.