Name: Christian
Status: student
Age: N/A
Location: PA
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
What are the elements of physics involved with a
pendulum type amusement park ride?
Replies:
Christian,
Consider the EFFECTS of a pendulum ride. The pattern of motion is first.
It starts at rest, speeds up as it falls, and then slows down as it rises.
Of course, gravity causes this. It works the same as a pendulum. The
second is your own motion. Your body "wants" to keep falling. The ride
causes you to stop falling, and then to move upward. A floor will balance
the effect of gravity, preventing you from falling. The pendulum ride pulls
you even harder. This, of course, is what you feel when the ride presses
against your body. This is a significant part of the ride's thrill.
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