Exhibit Preview: Velocity Tracks

Three balls start at the same height. All three have the same destination but take different paths and have different weights. How do these variables (path and weight) influence the time it takes for the balls to get to the bottom?

Velocity Tracks

Velocity Tracks is a set of three rollercoaster-style tracks. Each track starts at the same height but has a different slope. When you work with this exhibit you will race metal, plastic and wooden balls of the same diameter along the different tracks.

Which ball will reach the end first? Why? Will the heaviest ball always win?  Does the slope of the track determine which ball is the winner? Line up the contestants and let them roll! Our precise timing sensors will reveal the surprising results while teaching students important principles of velocity and friction.