Beginning of Rollercoasters

• On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in America opens at Coney Island, in Brooklyn, New York. Known as a switchback railway, it was the brainchild of LaMarcus Thompson, traveled approximately six miles per hour and cost a nickel to ride.

switchback railway coaster

For five cents, riders would climb a tower to board the large bench-like car and were pushed off to coast 600 ft (183 m) down the track to another tower.^[5] The car went just over 6 mph (9.7 km/h).^[5] At the top of the other tower the vehicle was switched to a return track or "switched back" (hence the name).

the expansion of rollercoasters

after the success at Coney island rollercoasters became the attraction for all thrill seekers and family fun, but soon companies and engineers found more exciting ways to improve on the rollercoaster

types of rollercoasters

• wood

• metal

wood rollercoaster

wood rollercoasters are usually more of a rougher ride mainly because of their rigid structure and lack of flexibility. wood rollercoasters usually just follow a set track and have more of a train or mine cart set of rails.

metal rollercoasters

metal rollercoasters have a smoother ride and are mainly used more because of the variety of coasters you can make. metal coasters are able to do loops and faster turns and many more

science behind rollercoasters

While today’s roller coasters are sophisticated machines, they all use basic principles of science to operate. This basic science is known as physics, which is basically the study of how things move. Most roller coaster rides begin with a lift hill, where a chain connects with the train and carries the riders to the first and tallest incline. As you reach the crest of the hill, the chain pushes the train over the hill. Gravity takes over and pulls the train down the hill into a controlled free fall.  Using its weight and wheels, the train picks up enough kinetic energy (speed and momentum) to complete your journey through the track. Different types of brakes are used to stop the train at the end of a ride. These brakes use friction to slow down and stop a roller coaster’s momentum by converting the train’s kinetic energy into heat energy.