A roller-coaster train moves rapidly over the crest of a hill and then descends along…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A roller-coaster train moves rapidly over the crest of a hill and then descends along the track. Passengers are secured by specially designed shoulder restraints and lap bars.
(i) While crossing the crest, passengers often feel as if they are being lifted off their seats. Explain this sensation on the basis of inertia.
(ii) Identify any two safety features provided in roller-coaster cars that counteract the effect explained in part (i), and describe how each feature works in terms of Newton’s First Law.
(iii) If the mass of a passenger is doubled, will the need for these safety features increase, decrease, or remain the same? Give a reason for your answer based on the relationship between mass and inertia.