Activities for the Wireless Dynamics Sensor System - Vernier ...

Activities for the Wireless Dynamics Sensor SystemPhysics at Amusement ParksThere are few who would turn down an opportunity to learn some physics throughamusement park rides. They are usually great fun and are absolutely full of physics todiscuss in advance and afterwards. The rides may be at local fairgrounds or at largetheme parks (such as Six Flags or Great America). Some of these rides can usuallyprovide the basics of ‘freefall’ drops, spins and rotations in the horizontal plane,‘pendulum’ swings, and ‘up and overs’ with and without extra rotations. Some of theseare shown below.The images (from left to right) are the Drop Zone (freefall accelerations), and HMBEndeavor (pendulum), and Celebration (swings)The most useful sensors for such activities are the accelerometers and the altimeter. As itdifficult to predict precisely which accelerometer(s) will be most useful, you willmeasure accelerations using all three accelerometers. Once you are back in the classroom,you can select which of these data make the most sense to study for each ride. Thealtimeter is useful when analyzing the graphs of acceleration vs. time. After your visit,the altimeter data can help you identify the feature of the ride you are trying to study.OBJECTIVESIn this activity, you will• measure accelerations in a real world setting.• compare the different accelerations produced by various amusement park rides.MATERIALSBluetooth ® equipped computerLogger Pro SoftwareVernier Wireless Dynamics Sensor SystemVernier Data Vest or elastic cord forholding the WDSSstopwatchPROCEDUREPart I – Before you go to the amusement park1. Turn on the WDSS. Note the name on the label of the device.© 2007 - Vernier Software & Technology 21