Disney Imagination Campus Blog

Ready, set, launch… yourself onto the Grid and uncover the science behind the magic of TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise at Magic Kingdom Park. Join Mark White, a ride development engineer for Walt Disney Imagineering, to explore the physics principles of potential and kinetic energy and acceleration to discover how they bring this exhilarating attraction to life.

When Mark was a young student learning about math and science, roller coasters always captivated his imagination. Little did he know back then that the principles of physics he learned in school would one day come to play in his work on thrilling attractions.

As a Disney Imagineer, Mark has the opportunity to translate scientific principles into real-life experiences. TRON Lightcycle / Run is a perfect example of how Imagineers apply various aspects of math and science to create unforgettable experiences.

In physics, potential energy and kinetic energy are two important concepts that help us understand the way objects move and interact.

1. Potential energy is the stored energy an object has because of its position or condition. It's like a coiled spring or a stretched rubber band, ready to unleash its energy. For example, a ball held up in the air has potential energy because it can fall and move.

2. Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. When the ball falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it gains speed and moves.

Both potential and kinetic energy are fundamental to understanding how things work in the exciting world of physics! This dynamic duo is what makes TRON Lightcycle / Run a high-speed, roller coaster-type thrill ride.

Picture a traditional roller coaster, where a chain pulls the vehicle slowly up to the peak of a hill before it plunges down the track. This ascent stores potential energy, which is then converted into kinetic energy during the thrilling descent.

TRON Lightcycle / Run employs a different type of launch mechanism. Instead of relying on a chain like traditional roller coasters, the attraction harnesses electrical energy as its source of potential energy. This energy is stored and later injected into the vehicle using magnets located at the bottom of the train. The result? An exhilarating launch for guests, which transforms potential energy into kinetic energy.

While the launch system for TRON Lightcycle / Run may differ from traditional coasters, it abides by the same fundamental principles of energy conversion. Potential energy is transferred into kinetic energy, providing the necessary speed and momentum to launch riders onto the Grid.

Now that we've explored the science of potential and kinetic energy on TRON Lightcycle / Run, let's dive into the exhilarating realm of acceleration.

Acceleration is a fundamental concept in physics that describes how an object's velocity changes over time. In the context of roller coasters, acceleration is what makes the ride thrilling and captivating. TRON Lightcycle / Run showcases two types of acceleration: linear acceleration and angular acceleration.

1. Linear Acceleration refers to the change in speed a vehicle experiences while traveling in a straight line. It is most noticeable during the launch phase, where riders are sent forward with incredible speed. As the electrical energy is converted into kinetic energy, the vehicle accelerates rapidly, creating an thrilling experience.

2. Angular Acceleration: Once riders are on the main part of the track, they encounter twists, turns, and curves that introduce angular acceleration. Angular acceleration refers to a change in direction. It is this angular acceleration that adds an extra dimension of excitement to the ride.

The interplay between linear and angular acceleration creates a multi-dimensional experience that keeps riders on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

So, the next time you find yourself on a roller coaster, remember to consider how potential and kinetic energy and acceleration work together to create a thrilling coaster experience. And for all the aspiring engineers and future Imagineers out there, keep exploring, keep asking questions, and who knows, one day you might find yourself designing the roller coasters of the future, pushing the boundaries of imagination and science!

Curious to learn more? Check out the Science & Technology workshops at our East Campus in Walt Disney World Resort and our West Campus in Disneyland Resort for a discovery of the real-world application of science, technology, engineering, art, and math at some of our most popular attractions! Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay up to date on all things Disney Imagination Campus and explore all our academic workshops to see how we inspire imagination-powered learning.