Physics Demo Number: 114

Approximate

Run Time: 10 min

Roller Coaster Track and Ball

Demo Description

A planar piece of wood track has been formed so that when it is supported in a vertical plane , a steel ball may be released from rest on one of the track's inclines and traverse valleys and rises under the action of gravity.

Scientific Principles

• Conversion of Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy and

• Conversion of Kinetic Energy to Potential Energy

Equipment

• Physics Stand

• Track

• Ball

Equipment Location

• The track and the physics stand tubular-column and base reside on [E-1-5]-[E-2-5].

• Small parts are in Kit (077) on [E-2-5].

Instructions

Assembly of the 'Physics Stand' and 'Roller Coaster Track' is seen in the picture.

Be sure to attach the track to the stand at the level shown (hole number 5 from the bottom).

Release the ball from about the first R on the word Roller Coaster.

This will give a smooth roll down and up and back down to the catch mechanism at the right end of the Roller Coaster Track.

Moreover, the ball will neither leave the Track nor fail to negotiate the hill (and thus become entrapped in the potential well, where it sits in the photo).

Writeup created by David A. Burba

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