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.

Typical incline at the start of a roller coaster ride.

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A protractor with a laser sight will allow you to calculate the height of the rides peak.

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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 car.

3) Click on the red square found on the tube attached to the protractor at the left of the screen.  This turns on a red laser and will indicate where the tube is aimed.  Click and drag downwards the right side of the tube.  Notice that it moves where the tube aims.  Now click and drag the left side of the tube and notice the laser moves much slower.  This allows you to finely aim the tube. The protractor can be dragged by clicking on and dragging the scale section.

4) Drag the protractor and adjust the laser tube until the laser beam is lying right on top of the track incline. It is essential that it is lying parallel to the track and the protractor indicator is right at the front of the car. Record this angle. Also record the distance from the protractor to a spot directly under the peak of the ride.

5) Click on the stopwatch and when the car is exactly on the peak, stop the timing. Repeat this 5 times and record the sum of the 5 trials and average time.

6) 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.