iFairground Map > Science > G-Force

{ The Pressure Is On! }

Most people think of G-force in relation to flying. The most G-force that a human being can withstand and survive is around 9G. An exact G amount cannot be determined because everyone's body is different, and the combination of weight, height, and build has an influence on the way the force reacts and the amount of G's that body can withstand. 9G means that a pilot is undergoing a force 9 times that of Earth's gravity. If he weighs 175 pounds, he will suddenly feel as if he weighs 1,575 pounds.

Many physical changes take place. The great amount of force involved makes the blood flow to the feet, and the pilot will experience a grey-out (can't see colors), or a temporary blackout. When a plane is upside down, increased blood flow to the brain may cause a red-out (sees only a red screen).

When a large drop or a sudden acceleration occurs, G-force becomes a factor in amusement park rides as well. Visit the ThinkQuest site below to expand your knowledge of the significance of G-force.

Amusement Park Physics
/2745/data/meter.htm
Here, you can learn how to build your own accelerometer. This instrument measures G-forces and can be built with simple everyday items like a tennis ball tube, a weight, and a spring.

Several schools have made amusement parks the source of science instruction.
View some of their sample projects.

Animation Explaining How Coasters Use Energy
http://franklin.icsd.k12.ny.us/highschool/swirt/science/
physics/lesson/05work/rolcoast/rollcoast.html
Here, you can have fun learning how energy acts on roller coasters and makes them run by using the site's animation.

Middle School Amusement Park Unit
http://www.ed.uri.edu/SMART96/Middle/SMART_WEB/home.html
Uses science formulas and principals, as well as math skills, to create problems for students in middle or high school to solve.

High School Physics Project Unit
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/projects/yep/
coasters/rcstupa.html
A site with guidelines on creating a project and model, based on amusement parks, which is designed to be used in a classroom environment.

More in-depth information can be obtained through reading.
Article - Physics of Roller Coasters
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/~ak621/CEC/Co-Phys.html
Full of information on energy, G-forces, free falls, and other forces and how they are involved in roller coasters.

Reference:
"G-force." 2000 <http://www.oblivion.com/noshock-frame.htm> (July 2000)