Transcript Paper Roller Coaster Project - Physics

Paper Roller
Coaster Project
Astrid Rodriguez
Jasmine Lopez
Period 5
Physics
Ms. Buenconsejo
STANDARD:
1b: Students know that when forces are balanced no acceleration occurs;
thus an object continues to move at a constant speed or stays at rest.
1c: Students know how to apply the law f=ma to solve one dimensional
motion problem that involves constant force.
1d: Students know that when an object exerts a force on a second object
always exerts a force of equal magnitude and in the opposite direction.
1g: Students know circular motion requires the application of a constant
force directed towards the center of the circle.
1l: Students know how to solve problems in circular motion by using the
formulas for the centripetal acceleration in the following form, a=v^2/r
2a: Students know how to calculate Kinetic Energy by using the formula
E=1/2mv^2
2b: Students know how to calculate change in gravitational potential
energy near earth by using the formula (Change in potential
energy)=mgh (h is the change in elevation)
2c: Students know how to solve problems including conservation of energy
and simple systems, such as falling of objects.
3. Conservation of energy
4. Uniform circular motion
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the project is to obtain a further understanding
of Newton’s Laws of Motion. Also to explore the relationship
between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy.
OBJECTIVES:
1.
To design and construct paper roller coaster
2.
To explain the physics of roller coaster/amusement rides
3.
Relate global issue
PROBLEM:
How can we design a roller coaster, made of out paper, that
will allow a marble to travel without falling?
HYPOTHESIS:
If I build a strong base with strong pillars then the marble will
be able to travel through the roller coaster without falling.
Materials and Design
 Materials:
-Construction Paper
-Tape
-Marble
 Design/Sketch:
Procedures
 We
made the hill first by cutting the sides
with equal measurement.
 Add

support to the pillars.
Make the loop.
Procedures
 Attach
the wide turn and pillars.
 Make/Attach
 Attach
 Test
the “dip”.
the last part.
the roller coaster.

Data:
A. Height of the first hill
.50 meters
B. Height of the roller coaster
.92 meters
C. Radius of the loop
.04 meters
D. Time of the marble from top to 4.215 seconds
bottom

1.
2.
3.
E. Speed of the marble (v=d/t)
.06 m/s
F. Potential energy at the top
(PE=mgh)
0.046 J
G. Kinetic Energy at the top
(KE=1/2 mv^2)
0.000009 J
H. Potential energy at the
bottom
0J
I. Kinetic energy at the bottom
0.046 J
Observation:
The base was strong because of the two construction papers used.
The pillars weren’t straight and that was a problem when we wanted to put the whole thing
together.
The marble would fly or fall off and it was because the structure wasn’t taped well but we
were able to fix that by adding construction paper to block it from falling.
Reflection/Summary/Conclusion

Reflection: Building the roller coaster was a fun and
challenging experience. The construction paper made it
difficult because at times it would just rip and fold. We
had to keep modifying the roller coaster as we added
on new parts.

Summary: Constructing the roller coaster helped us get a
better understanding of many concepts such as kinetic
energy, potential energy, forces, and motion. After
testing out roller coaster we had to do calculations to
complete our data table.

Conclusion: Our hypothesis was correct. We built the
roller coaster with a strong base with many pillars, which
helped the marble go through without falling.
Physics of Coaster

The physics behind the roller coaster consists
of the laws of motion, potential energy, and
kinetic energy. The concept of potential
energy (stored energy) was explored. As the
coaster gets higher in the air, gravity can pull
it down. The potential energy you build going
up the hill can be released as kinetic energy,
which is the energy of motion that takes you
down the hill. When the roller coaster is at the
top of a hill potential energy is at its maximum
energy. When it’s at the lowest point the
kinetic energy is at its maximum.
Global Relevance

A global issue is that the price of oil is now
increasing as well as the energy prices. Roller
Coasters use these materials to function when
prices of oil go up it’s hard for have these
type of amusement attractions. The increase
in prices of gasoline affect this type of
entertainment, which is a problem. When
having entertainments that use gas it hurts the
environment by causing pollution like a car
but worst because it runs most of the day.
3 Safety Lab Rules
 Conduct
yourself in a responsible manner at all
times in the laboratory.
 Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are
dangerous and prohibited.
 Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in
the laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately
of any unsafe conditions you observe.