Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi could you help me please i have to do a project called: Investigate two factors that affect the distance taken for a toy car to stop after rolling down a ramp. I dont really understand what would be variables or controls etc.
Id really apreciate any help you could give me. Its a very important project to me.

Alisonc - A couple of variables that come to mind for this kind of experiment are; friction in the wheel/axle/bearings, wind resistance presented by the vehicle, the surface and/or grade of the track that is at the end of the ramp, the mass of the vehicle. Some of these would be difficult to experiment with, others are easier. The grade of the 'roll out' area could be changed and results measured, a piece of cardboard could be attached perpendicular to the line-of-travel to introduce air friction drag or weights could be added to the vehicle to see what differences are obtained by possibly higher velocities down the ramp and/or increased rolling friction induced. I'm sure there are more, but these might give you a basis for a hypothesis.

Rick Marz

Hi Allison

Seems like a very interesting project. Some of the sites that can help you with this project:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mi.html

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/e ... g99334.htm

I believe friction, the tire size and the force whith which the toy car is pushed down the ramp will be the variables and the length ofthe ramp will be the control.

Thanks

Sumit

Thankyou so much I am starting the project tomoro and all the information you have given me has been a great help.