Roller coaster with marbles

Ask questions about projects relating to: aerodynamics or hydrodynamics, astronomy, chemistry, electricity, electronics, physics, or engineering

Moderators: kgudger, bfinio, MadelineB, Moderators

Locked
Rodrigo036
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2016 8:00 pm
Occupation: Student

Roller coaster with marbles

Post by Rodrigo036 »

Hello I have a question, can I use 1 in diameter foam pipe insulation or it is strictly necessary to use 1-1/2 in diameter foam pipe insulation?
theborg
Moderator
Posts: 360
Joined: Mon Oct 03, 2011 12:26 pm
Occupation: Space Test Analyst
Project Question: "To explain all nature is too difficult a task for any one man. 'Tis much better to do a little with certainty and leave the rest for others that come after you, than to explain all things by conjecture without making sure of anything." - Sir Isaac Newton
Project Due Date: N/A
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Roller coaster with marbles

Post by theborg »

Rodrigo036,

Thank you for you question. You do not have to explicitly use a 1.5 in tube. However, the suggested diameter is to help ensure the marble is able to role free from any drag it might experience from the sides of the marble rubbing against the sides of the tube track, causing an error in the measurement of time and therefore velocity and acceleration.

Consider this: the average target marble is about 16 mm in diameter and if 1 in = 25.4 mm, then there is only 4.7 mm clearance on either side of the marble as it roles down the track instead of 11.05 mm on either side if you have a 1.5 in tube. This just gets worse if you use a marble that is larger.
Hope this helps.

theborg
----------
Science Buddies science fair guide:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml

Science Buddies project ideas:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
Locked

Return to “Grades 9-12: Physical Science”