Life is a Roller Coaster for Science Students

Cronton Sixth Form College Applied Science students learnt the physics behind some of the most exciting roller coasters in the UK during an educational visit to Alton Towers Theme Park.
The future scientists enjoyed a lecture from education staff on the physics behind three white-knuckle rides at the park; Oblivion, Rita and Enterprise. The trip was arranged to demonstrate to students how the physics topics covered in lessons work in real life situations.

The group learnt about the force required to accelerate the rides, the centripetal force calculations required to make seatbelts unnecessary on Enterprise, and the gravitational potential energy and g-forces of the Oblivion which has a 180ft vertical drop.

Following the talk, the students were able to try out the rides with a new understanding of how they function. One student commented, “The talk was just as exciting as the rides!”
Ruth Mills, Applied Science Lecturer at Cronton, said “The students very much enjoyed the lecture; they were able to put the physics we have discussed in lessons in to real life situations. This will be a big help with the physics element of their course.”