PURPOSE:
To give the student experience in data gathering and calculations based on actual amusement ride physics.

INTRODUCTION:
The "Carousel" is a ride found in many modern amusement parks.  It consists of a rotating disk with various seats in the form of horses and other animals usually with a mechanical music machine at its center.

Top view of a Carousel.

---*---

A stopwatch will be provided to measure time.

---*---

PROCEDURE:

1) You can adjust the background shading by clicking on the "Special" button to the right and selecting "Background". Click on the "Special" button and select "Print Blank Report" to obtain a web page that can be printed and used as a lab report. (the program will not be interrupted)

2) Click on the "pace" button and count how many paces across the diameter of the carousel (estimate if between two paces). Record this value and the value for one pace for this student. Also record the mass of this student.

3) Start the ride. Once the ride has reached its top speed, about three revolutions, start the stopwatch when the red horse is at the screen bottom. When the red horse has made 5 revolutions, stop the stopwatch. Record this time.

4) Calculate the requested values asked for on the lab sheet and any given by your teacher. For help on these values click on the "Special" button and select "View Data & Hints". Select "File Report" to send a copy to be viewed by your teacher.