SciShow Tangents

Roller Coasters with Tom Scott!

Sep 17, 2024
Join legendary YouTuber and roller coaster expert Tom Scott as he dives into the exhilarating world of coasters! Discover the fascinating history, from ancient Russian ice slides to modern engineering marvels. Tom shares wild trivia about record-speed rides and the science behind the notorious 'stomach drop' sensation. Learn how roller coasters can even dislodge kidney stones and the surprising safety stats. Buckle up for an informative and thrilling adventure that guarantees a fun ride!
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INSIGHT

What Defines A Roller Coaster

  • A roller coaster is generally a track vehicle that uses potential energy to coast without onboard power.
  • Early coasters evolved from Russian ice slides to tracked wheeled cars with guide rails for safety.
INSIGHT

Coasters Are Widely Varied And Categorized

  • There are about 5,300 operating roller coasters worldwide, and they vary hugely in how they frighten riders.
  • Parks and enthusiasts categorize rides by features like G-forces, airtime, and roughness to predict discomfort.
INSIGHT

G-Forces Depend On Peak And Duration

  • Peak G-force on a coaster can be brief and very high, but duration matters for safety and survivability.
  • Tower of Terror in Johannesburg produced a brief spike around 6.3G, which is survivable when very short.
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