There are many fascinating roller coaster facts, and they are all pretty cool. One of the most amazing roller coaster facts is that, according to Albert Einstein, a roller coaster is a perfect example of energy conservation in a mechanical system. Using the laws of gravity and momentum, roller coasters convert potential energy into kinetic energy. Potential energy is the amount of energy possessed by objects with mass within a force field. Kinetic energy is the energy a body gains or loses during motion, which equals half its mass times its speed.
The thrill of a roller coaster has been a constant improvement since the first one was built in the early 19th century. From a small mini-train on wooden tracks to a bone-chilling ride, the history of roller coasters is fascinating. In addition to highlighting the many ups and downs of roller coaster design, these facts can provide thrill seekers with more information on the origins and development of their favourite rides.
Although modern roller coasters are made of metal, the first roller coaster was made of wood. Compared to metal, wood was less expensive to construct and could be dismantled easier. The first wooden roller coaster opened in Paris in 1885. The popularity of roller coasters rose dramatically after the turn of the 20th century, when technology allowed them to become a common pastime. In the past century, roller coasters have grown to be enormously popular and complex.
In the 1970s, roller coasters began incorporating new elements such as vertical loops and underwater tunnels. The Beast opened at Kings Island amusement park in 1979 and remains the world’s longest wooden roller coaster. In the 1990s, roller coasters reached new heights with the introduction of stand-up trains and floorless roller coasters.
The earliest roller coaster was made of ice in the 17th century, and it became popular in the upper class circles. Catherine II of Russia installed one of these ice rides on her property to provide her guests with the thrill they were seeking.
Hydraulics are a major component of how these rides operate safely. Find out more about Hydraulic Power Unit ranges at a site such as www.hydraproducts.co.uk/Hydraulic-Power-Units/Standard-Power-Units
Did you know that a roller coaster’s loops are never perfectly circular, and instead are part of a hypothetical overlap of two circles? August 16th is National Roller Coaster Day so why not visit a theme park this summer and enjoy the thrills of some high speed rides!
The earliest American roller coasters were actually an attempt to distract people from the temptations of Satan! During the 19th century, the rise of hedonistic practices such as visiting saloons and brothels was a major concern.
