The Shape of Speed in Falcons and CoastersWhy a bird's dive is the same as a thrill ride's drop.

A single mathematical principle dictates the fastest path between two points, a solution discovered by both nature and engineering. This elegant curve, known as the brachistochrone, allows peregrine falcons to achieve incredible velocities in their dives. The very same shape is used to design roller coasters, maximizing thrill by optimizing the pull of gravity. The story of this curve reveals a universal law of motion, connecting the world's fastest animal to the pinnacle of amusement park physics.

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