Liseberg related physics problems
  1. Liseberg's new roller coaster, Kanonen (the Cannon) features a horizontal launch. The train accelerates from 0 to 75 km/h over a distance of about 20m. How long time does it take for the train to reach maximum speed? What power is required for the launch if the mass of the train is about 7 tonnes.

  2. The "second pendulum" (with a period T=2s) is about 1m long. The ride "Kulingen" at Liseberg is a large swing, with a period of about 8s. Estimate the distance from the center.

  3. In the classical teacup ride, Kaffekoppen, the floor rotates clockwise, 8 turns per minute, whereas the three "trays", each with cups on, move counterclockwise, so that the rider is close to the coffee pot in the center 20 times per minute. Which of the figures resembles most the motion of a rider?

  4. The picture to the right shows the hill with the longest air time in the wooden roller coaster BALDER. (The train moves from right to left in the picture.) Construct a table giving the track coordinates for a number of points. First, use the coordinates provided by the structure of the roller coaster. Then, convert to SI units, using the "Balder units", where the unit length is 2.75m horizontally and 2.50 m vertically. Draw a graph showing you approximation of the track shape.

  5. The capacity of the Lisebergbanan roller coasters is estimated to about 1540 persons/hour. Lisebergbanan has five trains, each carrying up to 22 persons. The ride lasts for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. How long time does each train spend at the station?

  6. In the Wave Swinger ride the 16 swings in the inner circle have been converted to 8 double swings. How does this affect the angle they make to the vertical?

  7. The Figure to the right illstrates the variation of "g-force" with time for the Space Shot ride. At what time does the speed have a maximum? Minimum?

  8. How far away is the horizon? Obviously, this depends on your elevation. How far can you see from the Liseberg tower where you reach 125 meters above sea level? You can see the large suspension bridge, Älvsborgsbron in the harbour - but can you see Denmark on a clear day?
http://fy.chalmers.se/LISEBERG/eng/example.html,
2005-08-02, Ann-Marie.Pendrill@fy.chalmers.se