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Gravitational force, or '''g-force''', is a unit of measurement used to indicate the amount of physical force exerted when an object is accelerated in a certain direction.
A G-Force is a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated. By definition, any accelerating object will experience g-force. In [[RollerCoaster Tycoon (series)|RollerCoaster Tycoon]], g-forces are simulated for tracked rides as 3 different values. Generally speaking, good designs will minimise the g-forces experienced by guests. High levels of g-force are dangerous, and in game will result in rides with low [[excitement]] ratings and ultra-high [[intensity]] ratings.
In [[RollerCoaster Tycoon (series)|RollerCoaster Tycoon]], g-forces are calculated for roller coasters and the [[Dinghy Slide]] in 3 different values: positive vertical G, negative vertical G and lateral G. These g-forces play an instrumental role in determining the roller coaster's ride ratings; although roller coasters need to exhibit enough g-forces to make them exciting (with some rides like the [[Suspended Swinging Coaster]] requiring moderately high levels of g-forces to make them stand out), extremely high levels of g-force will usually result in a ride with low [[excitement]], extreme [[intensity]] and high nausea ratings, while a lack of g-forces will conversely result in a ride that is not thrilling enough for park guests. Therefore, understanding how g-forces are exerted, and being able to manipulate the amount of g-forces exerted via careful track design, is crucial in creating roller coasters that will draw crowds to a park.
The graph tab on a ride window includes tabs for vertical and lateral Gs, and can be used to identify problem area of tracks.
The Graphs tab on a ride window in RCT1/RCT2/RCTC logs the amount of g-forces exerted on Car/Train 1 as it travels around the track and can be used to visually identify sections of track that generate extreme g-forces.
Vertical Gs are generated on sections of track that push riders down into their seats. Cars/trains travelling through these sections at high speeds generate higher vertical g force. ▼
▲== Positive Vertical GsG==
Track sections that generate negative vertical gs include banked curves, flat to upward-sloped and downward-sloped to flat tracks and vertical loops. ▼▲VerticalPositive vertical Gs are generated on sections of track that push riders down into their seats. Cars/trains travelling through these sections at high speeds generate highermore positive vertical g forceGs.
▲Track sections that generate negativepositive vertical gsGs include banked curvesturns, flatvertical toloops, upward-slopedthe andbottom downward-slopedof toa flat trackshill and verticalthe loopsend of a drop.
Tracked rides should not exceed a maximum vertical g over 5. ▼
▲Tracked rides should not have too many track sections that exceed a maximumpositive vertical gG overof 5. 00.
==Negative Vertical Gs==
Negative vertical Gs are also known as "air time" and refersare to the timesgenerated whenwhenever riders experience weightlessness. They are generated on sections of track that push riders out of their seats. Cars/trains travelling through these sections at high speeds generate highermore negative gvertical forceGs.
Track sections that generate negative vertical gsGs include the crestscrest of hillsa hill and flatthe tostart of downward-slopeda trackdrop.
Tracked rides with unattached cars, such as [[Dinghy Slide]]s and [[Bobsleigh Coaster]]s, are likely to Crash[[crash]] if their maximum negative vertical G exceeds -0.96.; Coveredthe sectionspossibility of trackthis happening can be eliminated by using covered tracks on sections that generate high negative vertical Gs (whereif available), canor slightlyby lowerreducing thisthe riskspeed of the car/train with the use of brake sections on approach (if available). For other tracked rides, the maximum negative vertical G should not exceed -2.00. On a special note, while [[Air Powered Vertical Coaster]]s often experience extreme levels of negative gvertical forceGs, butthey thisare doesaffected notdifferently affectand theoften excitementhave ratingvery thehigh same way as other tracked rides (i.e. the ride willexcitement still be exciting) however it will still have extremeand intensity ratings.
==Lateral Gs==
[[File:Banked_Curve.jpg|thumb|352px|Banking a curve will reduce excessive lateral G force.]]
Lateral Gs are generated on sections of track that push riders to the left or right. Cars/trains travelling though these sections at high speeds generate higher lateral g forceGs.
Track sections that generate lateral gsGs include unbanked turns, sS-bends and corkscrews.
Tracked rides should not exceed a maximum lateral gG ofexceeding 2.75. In most circumstances, arides rollerwith coasterlow youexcitement haveand constructedextreme thatintensity hasratings afeature lowat excitementleast ratingone andsection ultra-highwith intensitya ratinglateral willG becalculation dueexceeding tothis anamount. excessThe amount of lateral gGs force.produced Highat laterala Gstrack section can be reduced by using banked cornersturns (which "converts" some lateral Gs tointo vertical Gs) or by reducing the speed of vehiclesthe train/car as it passes through that section (brakessuch or,as whereby applicable,using shorteningbrake sections on approach or reducing the height of aany lift hill) duringleading sectionsto ofthe high lateral Gssection).
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