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Apr 28 2011

How Rollercoasters Work, Minus the Fun

37 min 4 movies discussed
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Whether you're a rollercoaster fan or avoid them like the plague, there's no denying that these contraptions are striking examples of physics at work. So how do they actually work? Join Josh and Chuck as they break down the mechanics of rollercoasters.

AI Summary

In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck take on the thrilling (and terrifying) world of roller coasters, diving deep into the physics and engineering that make these death-defying rides possible. From the icy slopes of 16th century Russia to modern steel monsters that launch you at 120 mph, they explore how these mechanical marvels use nothing more than gravity, acceleration, and momentum to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a coaster enthusiast or someone who gets queasy just thinking about them, you'll learn exactly what's happening to your body when you're screaming down that first big hill.


Movies Discussed

Biohazard
Biohazard
1978 50m
★ 5.0
"we are all alive and not turning into an outtake from the latest biohazard sequel. — A listener in Japan references the Biohazard movie series when describing the situation after the earthquake and tsunami."
Scooby-Doo
Scooby-Doo
2002 1h 27m
★ 6.1
"It's like a Scooby-Doo theme park. — Josh uses this as a comparison when describing his fear of falling into a roller coaster seat." — Josh
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Space Mountain
★ 0.0
"my dad said, Josh, here we are at Disney World. Why don't you let me take you on this great ride called Space Mountain? — Josh recounts a traumatic childhood experience at Disney World that made him afraid of roller coasters." — Josh
The Simpsons
The Simpsons
1989
★ 8.0
"I like to think that your life is in that that that boy's hands. Right. That that one teenager from the Simpsons. — Josh jokes about roller coaster safety being in the hands of a teenage operator, referencing a Simpsons character." — Josh

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