At some amusement parks, to get on a moving "car" the riders first hop onto a moving walkway and then onto the cars themselves. Why is this done?

If you are riding on a train that speeds past another train moving in the same direction on an adjacent track, it appears that the other train is moving backward. Why?

Thanks!

At some amusement parks, riders first hop onto a moving walkway and then onto the cars to enhance the experience and maintain safety.

The moving walkway serves two main purposes. First, it helps riders match the speed of the cars. When a ride is moving at a higher speed, it can be difficult for riders to safely jump onto the cars directly. The moving walkway allows riders to gradually adjust their pace and sync with the speed of the ride before they jump onto the actual cars. This reduces the risk of accidents or injuries.

Second, the moving walkway also adds to the thrill and excitement of the ride. It creates a sense of anticipation and builds up excitement before the riders get on the actual cars. This enhanced experience can make the ride more memorable and enjoyable.

As for the scenario where one train appears to be moving backward when passing another train moving in the same direction, it is an optical illusion called the "motion aftereffect" or the "phi phenomenon."

Our visual perception is influenced by the movements and motion around us. When a train is moving and we observe it passing another train at a high speed, our brain tries to make sense of the visual input. It perceives the relative motion between the two trains, and due to the contrast in their speeds, it creates the illusion that the train moving slower is actually moving backward.

This illusion occurs because our brain expects objects to move smoothly and continuously. When it encounters a sudden change in motion or contrasting speeds, it can result in misinterpretation and create this perceived backward motion.

It's important to note that this illusion is specific to the observer's point of view and the relative speeds of the trains. From a different perspective or with different speeds, the illusion may not occur or may appear differently.