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The Kid Should See This

The Science of Waterslides

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Waterslides are synonymous with summer fun in the water, but potential energy, kinetic energy, momentum, and velocity are also at the core of how waterslides work.

In this episode of Mission Unstoppable, correspondent Fionnghuala “Fig” O’Reilly talks with mechanical engineer Hayley Duffy about the science and engineering that make waterslides (and rollercoasters) possible, as well as how Duffy turned her love for thrills into a career.

kinetic and potential energy
riding the water slide
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Bonus: Every type of roller coaster, explained by a roller coaster engineer.

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