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Name:  Alexandra D.
Status: student
Age: 15
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2000-2001
Question:
I am doing a project on roller coasters and forces. Can you explain in fuller detail what forces act upon roller coasters?

Replies:
The forces acting on a roller coaster includes:

Gravitational forces
Support forces of the track
Friction (air resistance, track resistance, roller bearings, etc.)
Brakes (really just controlled friction).

In some cases, they are propelled by electromagnets, so you will need that force, too.

---Nathan A. Unterman


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