Weight and Pinewood Derby Cars

1. Weight and Pinewood Derby Cars Alex Morrow Period 2

2. Table of Contents • Introduction/Background • Research • Process • Results

3. Method of Investigation • Problem – I noticed some cars went faster than others and thought that weights could be the answer. • Variables – The variables I found were friction and the weight of a car. • Materials – I had two Pinewood Derby cars (one with weights, one without) and a 32 foot track. • Procedure – Both cars were raced and their speed was recorded.

4. Introduction • Last year, I helped my brother build his Pinewood Derby car into the shape of an arrow. • When choosing this science project, I was interested in why weight affects the speed of a car going down a track.

5. Research • I looked up a website (www.pinewoodderbycar.com), which explains that objects going downhill go faster with more weight because it increases the pull of gravity. • Also, less friction is better because friction slows objects down.

6. Process • To build my brother’s Pinewood Derby car, I used a scale saw, wood, nails, wheels, graphite, paint, shiner, a sander, a track, and the internet (to reference information).

7. Graph

8. Conclusion • I found that the car with weight will always go faster than the other car. • This is of scientific worth because it can help us with technology and cars. • This can be applied to semi-trucks, which are heavier than most cars. Since they need to stop down hills, their braking systems should develop to add more friction to stop the greater weight.

9. Bibliography • www.pinewoodderbycar.com For Images: • https://www.derbymonkeygarage.com/images/products/4005.jpg • http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/images/friction-slide_kinetic.gif • http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/household/home_improvement/plywood_%26_saw.gif

10. Acknowledgements • Thanks to: • The Neighborhood Cub Scouts • My Dad • My neighbor, who provided an unweighted car • My favorite older sister, who made a chart (!)