Starting a roller coaster from higher elevation will generate enough kinetic energy so that the stored potential energy can complete loop de loop. There is ratio between the height of the start track and diameter of loop for successful completion of Loop De Loop. If we know the diameter of the loop, ratio between start track and loop diameter then we can easily find the height of the start track by adding effect of friction.

The roller coasters use kinetic energy and potential energy to complete the loop de loop. In simple language roller coasters gain kinetic energy while coming down the ramp and that kinetic energy is converted into potential energy which is used to complete the loop de loop.

Kinetic energy: For example, you’re biking down a hill and your bike keeps gaining more speed. That is, because you’re being pulled by gravity. So, the kinetic energy of the bike keeps increasing as the speed of the bike is increasing.

When you reach the flat ground the kinetic energy gets converted into potential energy which keeps the bike moving forward by itself until all the potential energy is used.

Roller coasters use same principle to complete the loop de loop.

In roller coaster the height of the start ramp is determined so that the gained kinetic energy and momentum is enough to generate the required potential energy to complete the loop de loop.

While doing all this study I was more interested and thought “can I make my own loop de loop”?

But sadly, my dad said it would be too expensive to build one in my backyard.

But I still couldn't push that thought away.

Manipulated Variable: Track length, Diameter of loop, Length of Start Track, Height of the start track, Distance between start track and loop

Controlled Variables: Car

Responding Variable: Speed of car, potential energy and kinetic energy

Experiments for Small Loop:

For the first loop, the length of the start track was changed from 1.5 times the diameter of loop to 1.7 times Dia and 1.8 times Dia. But these experiments could not complete Loop De Loop and were unsuccessful. The experiment was successful at 2.0 Dia (4.0 R).

First experiment was started for start track length of 1.5 Dia of loop considering there will be friction loss, but still the car was unable to complete the entire loop de loop. Hence, I kept increasing the length of the start track (1.7 Dia, 1.8 Dia, 2.0 Dia). The experiment was successful when the start track length was double the diameter of loop.

As I observed, if the loop is placed as far as possible from the start track, keeping track straight, it has better chance of success than keeping the track too steep or curved. Also, the loss of energy was a lot higher due to friction, much more than I was expecting initially.

Experiments for Medium Loop:

I started the experiment at track length of 2.0 times Dia but it wasn’t successful. The length of the start track was increased again to  2.1 Dia, and 2.2 Dia.

As the tracks are longer, there was more friction loss compared to the shorter tracks for small loop. Experiment for track length of 2.1 Dia resulted into a failure. The first experiment for track length of 2.2 Dia was successful. The track was placed straight for the experiment, but the other two experiments with curved track occurred as failure.

Experiment for Large Loop:

Based on earlier experiment success for small loop, 2.0 Dia and for medium loop, 2.2 Dia, the experiment for Large loop started with track length of 2.4 Dia. The first experiment at track length of 2.4 Dia height and track without curve was successful. 

To verify, I tried the experiment for track length of 2.3 Dia, but it was a failure. I also tried the experiment for track length of 2.5 Dia. Similar to first experiment, it was successful for straight length and failure for curved tracks.

1. Knowledge of Kinetic energy has many applications as Hydropower plant, designing weaons and ensure safety during accident

2. Centripetal force also has many application like Calculating orbital speed, understanding planets and satellites motion to keep then in the orbit

The start track height, but the height was kept same for 3 experiments.

I would like to thank CYSF for giving me the opportunity to present my project on this big platform for another year.

I would also like to acknowledge my Science Teacher Ms. Ng and Mr. DeGelder for their support in completing my Project.

Thanks to my parents, whom I generally can’t thank enough. I know they are always there to support me, motivate me and help me.

And how can I miss my friends without whose support and help I couldn't have completed this project.