PHYSICS IN THE ATTRACTIONS

This educational course is based on the “Desmo Race” ride. An interactive rollercoaster with two parallel tracks to test yourself in a moto GP race! 

Uncover the most surprising and fascinating aspects of riding a motorcycle.

We will analyse:

control of the bike when turning corners;

• balance;
• balance of forces acting in straight motion (wheelie, breaking);
• the interaction between terrain and motion through the tyres;
• careening and aerodynamics.

Inspired by Formula 1, this rollercoaster stands out for its magnetic launch system that replaces the classic towing chain on the first incline.

Activities include:

• analysis of the train’s magnetic launch system;
• measurements of acceleration on the attractions during motion;
• analysis of the sensations experienced onboard the attractions as a result of forces;
• measurement of the speed of the train at certain points along the route and the height of the attraction.

Two towers ideal for analysing the sensations experienced when subjected to strong accelerations, tackling the problem of motion from different reference systems and making speed and height measurements. Activities include:

• analysis of the sensations experienced onboard the ride as a result of forces in action;
• measurement of accelerations during the launch and, once on the ground, analysis of the data collected to understand the motion of the car;
• measuring the height of the Towers;
• determining the average speed of the car by timing the descent time.

Katun has a vertical loop and various twists; due to its structural characteristics it’s particularly interesting for the study of mechanical energy in physical phenomena.

Activities include:

• analysis of the sensations experienced onboard the ride as a result of forces in action;
• measurement of accelerations during motion;
• evaluation of the energies involved;
• measurement of the height of some parts of the ride and the calculation of its speed.

The classic horse carousel is a precious opportunity to repeat the Foucault pendulum experiment and analyse motions in rotating systems.
Activities include:

• observation and analysis of the motion of a pendulum mounted on the attraction, linking it to Foucault’s experiment relating to the Earth’s rotation;
• study of the role of apparent forces in non-inertial reference, with experimental demos;
• deepening of knowledge relating to uniform circular motion by calculating its characteristic quantities.

We descend quickly, aquaplaning onboard a rubber dinghy along a wavy slide. What forces work for and against the descent? What energies are in play?

Activities include:

• measurement of descent times and calculation of speed on boarding the dinghies;
• analysis of the sensations experienced on descent in relation to the profile of the slide;
• evaluation of the energies involved by applying Newton’s Law to the motion of the dinghies.

Due to its specific characteristics, this attraction is especially suitable for studying motion from a kinematic viewpoint.

Activities include:

• measuring distances, times and speed;
• identifying types of motion of the boat;
• measuring accelerations along the route.

Divertical, the tallest watercoaster in the world, and El Dorado Falls allow us to study the characteristics of rollercoasters and discover the role of water on motion.

Activities include:

• analysis of sensations experienced onboard the ride due to forces in play;
• measurement of accelerations during motion;
• evaluation of energies in play and the braking effect of water;
• measurement of heights and speed.

An attraction set in an Old West mine, full of ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns.

Activities include:

• measurement of accelerations onboard the cars during motion;
• analysis of the sensations experienced onboard the cars due to forces;
• evaluation of the energy transformations that occur on the ride

This rollercoaster plays with kinematics and dynamics...double track.

Activities include:

• measurement of accelerations onboard the cars during motion;
• analysis of the sensations experienced onboard the cars due to forces;
• determination of the average speed of the cars during one lap;
• evaluation of the energy transformations that occur on the ride