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

INTRODUCTION:
The "Roller Coaster" is one of the best known rides at an amusement park. Passengers are carried to a height and then return to earth after several turns, drops, loops and climbs.

Heights will be measured using a 45 degree sighting.

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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) Record the mass of the roller coaster car and its initial velocity.

3) 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 point "A". Now drag the little person to the right and notice that a 45 degree blue line appears.  Position this line so that it also passes through the center of point "A". Since the blue line is at a 45 degree angle, the distance from the person to directly under point "A" is the same distance from the ground up to point "A". This distance is shown below the red index line. Determine the height of the points "A", "B", "C", "D" and "E" and record.

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.