The Ferris Wheel

Ride Description

The ferris wheel takes riders in a vertical loop. As the riders ascend, the "pull of gravity" feels greater, and as the riders descend, the "pull of gravity" feels reduced. Why?

The change in atmospheric pressure is related to the chance in height of the ride. As the altitude increases, the pressure decreases. Pressure data were taken on the drop of fear using a Vernier LabPro and barometer combination. The data are shown in the graph below. The left scale is for the pressure (blue points) and the right scale is the height of the ride. As the riders ascend, the pressure decreases and as the riders descend, the pressure increases.

Here is the raw data taken by the students of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. The circular motion of the ferris wheel causes an oscillatory pattern in the vertical component of acceleration.

Here is the analyzed data taken by the students of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School

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