Rory’s Adventures at Luna Park

Why are Luna Park rides ‘fun’? The answer, of course, is that it is all in the physics! In particular, most of the fun comes from experiencing different, and changing, ‘g-forces’. 

On Tuesday 3 March, students from the Year 12 Physics class went with Rory to Luna Park for a day trip.  The weather was glorious and students and Rory were excited to see physics in action;  the Scenic Roller coaster for parabolic motion, the Ferris Wheel for vertical circular motion, and rides that are more hair-raising and turn you upside down!  These topics are all an integral component of the first Area of Study in Unit 3 Physics.

Rory said that the excursion to Luna Park was a fun day and a great experience.  The rides were fun and educational as he learned how it feels when force was applied to him in different ways.  The students and Rory were able to apply their studies in motion in the real world in an exciting and interesting environment.  Students were able to perform measurements and calculations during the excursion to figure out the speed of the roller coaster and the maximum height of the Ferris wheel. 

Students and Rory learnt about the part that physics plays in the operation of the rides. Seeing physics in action in an interactive environment enhanced their learning perspective on the way things work.  Students were able to discuss their understanding of physics principles with Rory while 30 meters in the air!  Rory was exhausted by the end of the day but very pleased that he had been able to accompany the students on this exciting excursion.

Miriam Karelsky      

Physics Teacher