Air Pressure and Rolling Resistance *
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
How does the air pressure in a tire affect the rolling resistance of a bicycle or wheelbarrow? Do you need more or less effort to move the bicycle (or wheelbarrow) as the air pressure is changed? Use a tire pressure gauge to monitor air pressure (don't exceed the recommended tire pressure). For the bicyle, you could probably use a spring scale to measure how much force is needed to pull the bicycle along (have a friend lightly touching the bike to keep it balanced). Quantifying the force needed to move the wheelbarrow will be a bit more difficult. You may have to resort to a 1–5 rating scale (e.g., where 1="I can do this all day," 2="takes a bit of effort," 3="a good workout," 4="pushing myself pretty hard," and 5="maximum effort.") For more advanced students, can you explain your results in terms of frictional forces?Share your story with Science Buddies!
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Last edit date: 2013-01-10
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