GRIZZLY       VORTEX       DEMON
FLIGHT DECK

DATA

Before you ride

Height at the highest point of the ride ___________

Height at the lowest point of the ride ___________

Length of a train __________

Radius of the "dip" at the bottom of the first hill ____________

Time for a train to pass a point at the top of the first hill _________

Time for a train to pass a point at the bottom of the first hill __________

While you ride

Maximum acceleration (in g's) ______ experienced at

Minimum acceleration (in g's) ______ experienced at

QUESTIONS - Quantitative (Show all work, including the equations you used)

1. What is the speed at the top of the first hill?

 

2. What is the speed at the bottom of the first hill?

 

3. If all of the GPE and KE at the top of the first hill is converted to KE at the bottom of the dip, how fast is the train going?

 

4. How does your calculated speed in #3 compare with #2 above? Explain any differences.

 

5. Using the value from #2 above, what is the centripetal acceleration (in g's) in the dip?

 

6. Using the value from #5 above, what is the total acceleration (in g's) in the dip?

 

7. How does the total acceleration you calculated compare to your measured acceleration? Why should they be the same or why should they be different?

 

This worksheet asks students to do calculations based on their best measurements and estimates. It would be appropriate as a part of the overall package of materials to be completed while at the park.

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Updated 1/26/2012