In the Curve Ahead, Reduce Speed! Centripetal Force Demonstration Kit for physical science and physics, determine the maximum speed an object can safely travel along a curved path under various conditions.
Rounding a curve too fast on a bike or in a car can be dangerous! Determine the maximum speed an object can safely travel along a curved path under various conditions by analyzing the effects of the radius of a curve, banking the curve and friction on the rotational motion of a plastic “car” on a turntable. Simple and practical demonstration will develop students’ understanding of centripetal force, speed and acceleration and help them connect these concepts to everyday events. Materials are completely reusable!
Concepts: Centripetal force, Newton’s laws of motion, linear speed versus rotational speed. Time Required: 15 minutes
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Developing and using models Analyzing and interpreting data Using mathematics and computational thinking Constructing explanations and designing solutions
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS2.A: Forces and Motion HS-PS2.A: Forces and Motion
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