Physics on the Move: assignment.

Your task is to explain the physics behind a trebuchet or a roller coaster. As part of this assignment you can build a model of either one. For the trebuchet the maximum height for the trebuchet is 600 mm. The model must be a working model. It must be safe. The first part of the report must include 200 500 words of the history of the machine. The second part must include the plans of how you built the model. Both machines have a website that you can test designs on. The third part must explain the physics behind the trebuchet or the roller coaster. Explain how a trebuchet/roller coaster works by talking about the forces that apply to the project. Explain acceleration, gravity, friction, inertia, momentum, weight and Newtons three laws. Calculation of the relevant forces and aspects of motion Explain how energy is conserved in the motion by explaining the changes in the kinetic energy and the potential energy. (This is the extension part) The report must be in YOUR WORDS and you must reference all sources in a bibliography. Marks Criterion: see the assessment sheet. There are four main points; accuracy, communication, construction and understanding and application of the concepts. If materials are brought to class you can build the models mostly at school. Scientist need to communicate their understanding and ideas well so please ensure that the report is up to a high standard and not just a list of glossary terms or calculations. The reader should be able to read the report and understand all the ideas without having to know what the assignment wanted. The structure of the report should be clear and the report should contain all the information clearly and simply presented.

Due date:

Roller coaster: specification: two hills and one loop minimum height 1m. Toy cars are not required you can model the coaster with marbles or other alternatives. http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coaster/ http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/freefall2.html try your design on this site http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/ http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/ http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster/result.php3 http://science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster4.htm http://science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster4.htm http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/coaster2.html http://search.eb.com/coasters/ history

http://science.howstuffworks.com/roller-coaster4.htm General physics help: http://www.fearofphysics.com/index1.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/physics/forces_motion_intro .shtml http://www.vicphysics.org/lunapark.html

Trebuchet: The trebuchet must not be bigger than 0.6 m high. It must not be able to sling a weight more than 20 grams. It must be made out of wood although parts can be made out of alternative materials. These when built incorrectly or correctly can hurt someone or something. You are under no circumstances to use this on siblings, creatures and critters of any kind, vehicles, and anything else that may come across your mind. This is for class use and if used at home is to be aimed at inanimate targets only!! It is assumed you will follow all safety rules and precautions that apply to these types of experiments. 1. 1. Trebuchet Fulcrum Height: No Taller then 26 centimeters

2. 2. Trebuchet Base: Longer then 32 centimeters. 3. 3. Trebuchet Throwing arm: you will find the height of the fulcrum will determine the length of the throwing arm. 4. 4. Sling Length: Experiment to find the best length. 5. Counter weight: Plan on using minimum of .5 kg. You of course may need to experiment with this to find the proper amount of weight.

General physics help: http://www.fearofphysics.com/index1.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/science/physics/forces_motion_intro .shtml http://paultan.org/archives/2006/02/23/volkswagen-golf-gti-un-pimp-your-ride/ (the third video has a trebuchet in it) A must is the grey trebuchets site (it has plans): http://members.iinet.com.au/~rmine/gctrebs.html http://members.iinet.net.au/~rmine/howtreb.html

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lostempires/trebuchet/destroy.html http://www.tasigh.org/ingenium/hints.html http://www.tasigh.org/ingenium/physics.html http://www.tbullock.com/trebuchet.html