Have you ever wondered how roller coasters work? How does such a large object go so fast without a motor? How does it stay on track? How does it stop? And the other question I have is, what is the difference between wooden roller coasters and steel roller coasters? I've been going to amusement parks since I was tall enough to ride roller coasters. Everyone I know has asked some similar questions about roller coasters. In this article I hope to find answers to all these questions, so that we can all learn the physics behind roller coasters and how they work. Our first roller coaster question is: How does such a large object go so fast without a motor? ? In fact, you wouldn't think that an object would go very fast without a motor. What makes roller coasters go so fast is the conversion of potential energy and kinetic energy; that's what makes the roller coaster go. Kinetic energy is present once the roller coaster goes down the first hill. The roller coaster is dragged to the top of the first hill, then the roller coaster must complete the co...