By: Andrea Badua, Bryan Ortega, Denner De Souza Ms.

Buenconsejo Period 2 Physics

Standard/ Purpose/ Learning Objectives

1. 2. 3. 4.

To design and construct paper roller coaster. To explain the physics of roller coaster/ Amusement rides Relate global issues Student should know the formulas: E= (1/2)mv2, a=v2/r, (change in potential energy)= mgh.

Problem: How can we keep the marble on the roller coaster without falling? Hypothesis: If we construct the roller coaster with enough pillars to support the roller coaster, the marble will be able to stay on course.

Materials
Construction paper Tape Scissors Meter Stick

Procedures
1.Sketch out the tracks. 2.Fold the tracks and cut the sides so it will be easier to bend when making the loops and turns.

Procedures
3. Give the form you want so it will hold up the coaster. 4. Build pillars in advance for your roller coaster and tape it as you go.

Data Chart
Height of the first hill Height of the roller coaster Radius of the loop Time of the marble from top-bottom Speed of the marble (v=d/t) Potential Energy at the top (PE= mgh) Kinetic Energy at the top Potential Energy at the bottom Kinetic Energy at the bottom (KE= 1/2mv2)

.54 meters .9 meters .03 meters 2.9 seconds 6.5 m/s .045 joules 0 joules 0 joules .325 joules

Observation
We noticed that usually the marble falls off or stops in the loop or the curve. We had to constantly adjust it by taping it to pillars.

Reflection/Conclusion
This project was frustrating. The marble stopping or falling off, added to the frustration. Planning it was easy, but actually constructing it was difficult. We struggled with stabilizing the roller coaster. Just teaches that next time we work on a project, we have to carefully plan it out. In conclusion, our hypothesis was accurate because if not for the pillars stability and strength, the coaster would be wobbly and the marble would have not made it through the track.

Physics of Roller Coaster

Potential Energy: As the coaster gets higher in the air, gravity can pull it down a greater distance. The potential energy you build going up the hill can be released as kinetic energy . Since an object in motion tends to stay in motion, the coaster car will maintain a forward velocity even when it is moving up the track, opposite the force of gravity. When the coaster ascends one of the smaller hills that follows the initial lift hill, its kinetic energy changes back to potential energy. In this way, the course of the track is constantly converting energy from kinetic to potential and back again. A roller coaster is a machine that uses gravity and inertia to send a train along a winding track.

PE & KE

Global Relevance
People sometimes complain of dizziness or an upset stomach after a riding a roller coaster, but now a new report suggests the high speeds and sudden turns of this popular ride can also cause ear damage. Ear barotrauma occurs when there is a quick change in air pressure that affects the eardrum and pressure in the middle ear. The condition often occurs during scuba diving, air travel, or being near explosives. A mans head was turned during the ride. The man reported feelings of pain and fullness in the right ear. A physical examination revealed damage to his right ear, including a swollen ear canal and an inflamed eardrum. The eardrum was not punctured. Based on the research, it is recommend that passengers remain facing forward for the duration of the ride to not let the full impact of acceleration hit the ear.

3 Safety Lab Rules

Dont fool around during the making of the project. Dispose your trash in the proper place, not leave it on the table or ground. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do not wander around the room, distracting other students