Analysis Questions

Copy the questions/problems into your notebook if a packet hasn't been provided. Use your data and observations to answer the following:

  1. What is the relationship between gravitational force and the time for the luge run? State your answer in a complete sentence. Is the same relationship true for the 1/2 time values?

  2. Which planet or cosmic body gave the fastest run? Why? Which gave the slowest run?

  3. Pick one gravitational force and calculate the average speed for the total run. Show your work. Try to convert your answer in km/sec to km/hr. Ask for help your teacher. What is the average speed for the first half of the run? What is the average speed for the second half of the run?

  4. Do the same average speed calculation as you did in question three for a different gravitational value. Do you see the same or different patterns as you compare answers in question four with those in question three?

  5. How is speed changing as the luge travels downward? Do you know a name for this change in speed?

  6. Downhill skiers on Earth can reach speed of about 200 km/hr. What was your average speed (in km/hr) during the last half of the run with Earth's gravity? Can you suggest a reason or hypothesis?

  7. What test could you perform to test your reason or hypothesis?

  8. What other variable(s) would you like to change in this lab to gain more information?

  9. What explanation can you give for the path of luge and rider under zero gravity? Write your answer in complete sentences.

Challenge Problems

If a luge and rider made the run on an unknown planet and got the following data, what value of gravity would you predict for this unknown planet?

Time at Mid-Point
(645 meters)
Final Time
(1294 meters)
30.0 sec.
44.4 sec.
30.2 sec.
44.6 sec.
30.8 sec.
45.3 sec.
30.1 sec.
44.5 sec.
30.8 sec.
45.3 sec.

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