What is the primary function of the braking system in roller coasters?

The primary function of the braking system in roller coasters is to safely slow down and stop the ride. A well-designed braking system is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers as they complete their journey on the coaster. It is responsible for managing the roller coaster's speed and bringing it to a halt at the end of the ride, often using various methods such as friction brakes, magnetic brakes, or air brakes. This control is particularly important in ensuring that trains can stop precisely at the loading station or during emergencies.

While creating exciting ride experiences might be a byproduct of various coaster designs, it is not the primary role of the braking system. Similarly, maintaining speed throughout the ride is typically achieved through the coaster's design and energy dynamics rather than the braking system, which is meant to reduce speed. Controlling the ride's height pertains more to the coaster's design and the physics of its track layout, rather than the braking function itself.