Alex Morrow Period 2
Introduction/Background Research Process Results
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.
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.
I looked up a website ( ycar.com), which explains that objects going downhill go faster with more weight because it increases the pull of gravity. ycar.com Also, less friction is better because friction slows objects down.
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).
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.
For Images: es/products/4005.jpg es/products/4005.jpg champions.com/science/images/friction- slide_kinetic.gif champions.com/science/images/friction- slide_kinetic.gif hold/home_improvement/plywood_%26_saw.gif hold/home_improvement/plywood_%26_saw.gif
Thanks to: The Neighborhood Cub Scouts My Dad My neighbor, who provided an unweighted car My favorite older sister, who made a chart (!)