Question

7. Mac and Tosh are arguing about the track design. Mac claims that the car is moving fastest at point F because it is furthest along the track Tosh disagrees, claiming that the car moves fastest at point F because point F is at the lowest height Who do you agree with? Make a modification of the track design for point F and gather some evidence to support one claim or the other. Then discuss what changes you made, what observations were made, and the reasoning that supports one of the claim of either Mac or Tosh.​

Answer 1

Answer:

• Tosh is correct.
• Swap the locations of points B and F on the track and gather speed data. If Mac is correct, the speed at F (closer to the start) should be lower. (It will not be, confirming Tosh's claim.)

Explanation:

The total energy of the car is continuously being exchanged between potential energy and kinetic energy as the car moves along the track. Neglecting energy loss due to friction, the kinetic energy will be greatest when the potential energy is least, at the lowest point on the track. As a consequence we agree with Tosh that the speed will be greatest at F because it is the lowest point.

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If the track were modified to move the lowest point nearer the start, say by interchanging points B and F, then data could be gathered to show whose theory is supported. The evidence needed is the speed of the car at the new location of point F. Tosh's argument is supported if the speed at the new point F is substantially the same.