Paper Roller Coaster Project

1. Paper Roller Coaster Project Astrid Rodriguez Jasmine Lopez Period 5 Physics Ms. Buenconsejo

2. STANDARD: 1b: Students know that when forces are balanced no acceleration occurs; thus an object continues to move at a constant speed or stays at rest. 1c: Students know how to apply the law f=ma to solve one dimensional motion problem that involves constant force. 1d: Students know that when an object exerts a force on a second object always exerts a force of equal magnitude and in the opposite direction. 1g: Students know circular motion requires the application of a constant force directed towards the center of the circle. 1l: Students know how to solve problems in circular motion by using the formulas for the centripetal acceleration in the following form, a=v^2/r 2a: Students know how to calculate Kinetic Energy by using the formula E=1/2mv^2 2b: Students know how to calculate change in gravitational potential energy near earth by using the formula (Change in potential energy)=mgh (h is the change in elevation) 2c: Students know how to solve problems including conservation of energy and simple systems, such as falling of objects. 3. Conservation of energy 4. Uniform circular motion

3. PURPOSE: The purpose of the project is to obtain a further understanding of Newton’s Laws of Motion. Also to explore the relationship between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy. OBJECTIVES: • To design and construct paper roller coaster • To explain the physics of roller coaster/amusement rides • Relate global issue PROBLEM: How can we design a roller coaster, made of out paper, that will allow a marble to travel without falling? HYPOTHESIS: If I build a strong base with strong pillars then the marble will be able to travel through the roller coaster without falling.

4. Materials and Design • Materials: -Construction Paper -Tape -Marble • Design/Sketch:

5. Procedures • We made the hill first by cutting the sides with equal measurement. • Add support to the pillars. • Make the loop.

6. Procedures • Attach the wide turn and pillars. • Make/Attach the “dip”. • Attach the last part. • Test the roller coaster.

7. Data: • Observation: • The base was strong because of the two construction papers used. • The pillars weren’t straight and that was a problem when we wanted to put the whole thing together. • The marble would fly or fall off and it was because the structure wasn’t taped well but we were able to fix that by adding construction paper to block it from falling.

8. Reflection/Summary/Conclusion • Reflection: Building the roller coaster was a fun and challenging experience. The construction paper made it difficult because at times it would just rip and fold. We had to keep modifying the roller coaster as we added on new parts. • Summary: Constructing the roller coaster helped us get a better understanding of many concepts such as kinetic energy, potential energy, forces, and motion. After testing out roller coaster we had to do calculations to complete our data table. • Conclusion: Our hypothesis was correct. We built the roller coaster with a strong base with many pillars, which helped the marble go through without falling.

9. Physics of Coaster • The physics behind the roller coaster consists of the laws of motion, potential energy, and kinetic energy. The concept of potentialenergy(stored energy) was explored. As the coaster gets higher in the air, gravity can pull it down. The potential energy you build going up the hill can be released as kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion that takes you down the hill. When the roller coaster is at the top of a hill potential energy is at its maximum energy. When it’s at the lowest point the kinetic energy is at its maximum.

10. Global Relevance • A global issue is that the price of oil is now increasing as well as the energy prices. Roller Coasters use these materials to function when prices of oil go up it’s hard for have these type of amusement attractions. The increase in prices of gasoline affect this type of entertainment, which is a problem. When having entertainments that use gas it hurts the environment by causing pollution like a car but worst because it runs most of the day.

11. 3 Safety Lab Rules • Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory. • Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited. • Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory.  Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.