  This past summer we found ourselves at the incredible Paramount Canada's Wonderland, in Toronto. Having been here many times before, everyone knew exactly which rides they wanted to go on, and quickly headed off in all directions. After the sunscreen, of course. Not being the kind of person who particularly enjoys losing their lunch while being suspended upside down 200 feet in the air, I decided to look around for some interesting applications of physics and mathematics in the park. I had plenty of time, and there were lots of things going on. 
Of course, there were a few of the less dangerous rides that did appeal to me, ... upon which I risked my life in order to study the park around me a little more closely.Observing the amusement park in this manner for several hours led me to discover all manner of important principles in physics and mathematics being put to use. We hope, in exploring the following pages, you will pause to appeciate the underlying importance of these principles in the world around us. |