Freefalls

There are many different versions of freefall rides but all generally have the same 3 distinctive parts that create their excitement. Most freefall rides have the journey to the top or the start at the top, the momentary suspension to create suspense, and the plummet down. Most people know at least one major thing about freefall: all objects fall at the same rate even if they have different masses (only if we ignore air resistance).

Usually a freefall ride has to go to the top of the ride to start. Depending on the weight of the passengers and the car will determine how fast the ride will go upward. Once the top of the ride is reached most rides will suspend the car in the air to create fear and suspense. After the suspension the ride lets go of the car but the car is still attached to a track. To keep risk low the builders of this ride created a gradual curve at the end of the ride to slowly stop the acceleration of the car towards the ground. If not for this curve there could be serious consequences with the ride hitting the ground.

Picture of Demon Drop at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio courtesy of Joe Schwartz at www.joyrides.com