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

INTRODUCTION:
The "Ferris Wheel" is one of the oldest rides found at amusement parks. It consists of a ring of seats that rotate vertically.

Centripetal accelerations will be measured with an accelerometer.

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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) At the bottom of the screen is a little person with a red index line radiating from their head. Drag this line to the left and position it so that it passes through the center of the wheel. Now drag the little person to the right and notice that a 45 degree red line appears.  Position this line so that it also passes through the center of the wheel. Since this red line is at a 45 degree angle, the distance from the person to directly under the center of the wheel is the same distance from the ground up to the center. This distance is shown below the red index line. Record this value.

3) Repeat this same procedure for a point at the very top of the wheel and record.

4) Start the ride. When the wheel has reached its top speed and is holding that speed, an accelerometer will appear. The accelerometer is held by a passenger in the only green seat on the wheel. Record the values asked for in the data sheet.

5) 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.