Active Physical Science


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Activity Page 2

For You To Do

In this activity, you will explore the behavior of the roller coaster on horizontal curves where you rip across the side and on vertical curves where you find yourself upside down. The more you understand about the requirements of curves on roller coasters, the more freedom you will have in designing your roller coaster.

Part A: Moving on Curves

1. A battery-operated car can move by turning on the switch. Investigate the toy car's motion under different circumstances.

a) Let the car go. Describe its motion in your Active Physics log.
b) Attach a string to the side of the car and hold the other end of the string fixed to a point on the floor. Describe the motion of the car.
c) Predict what will happen to the motion of the car when your end of the string is let go. Provide a reason for your prediction.
d) Test your prediction and record your observations in your log.

2. Your investigation with the toy car demonstrates that a force is needed for circular motion. This is big stuff. Whenever you see anything moving in a circle, you should remind yourself of the movement of the car.

for you to do

Be sure to pick up the car from the floor when it is not in use so it does not present a hazard for people walking in the room.