SAMPLE: Sports

Film Science Questions for The Art of Racing: Vol. 3

Background: we often do speed calculations when investigating motion. But, beyond the calculations, how fast is fast? And, what technology is required to generate and control high speeds? This video presents an overview of two popular types of racing.

1. What demonstration helps us understand how fast "150 mph" is?

2. Why did the F-1 car catch up so quickly to the two road cars?

3. a) On the same axis set, sketch simple t-p graphs for the three vehicles moving down the straightaway.

b) Now, on another axis set, sketch three simple t-v graphs for them.

4. What part of an F-1 driver's body suffers most from the G forces created in turns?

5. Why is a Formula 1 car not "ready to drive" from the factory?

6. What is the evidence of oversteer?

7. What tire surface design is best for F-1 racing on a dry track?

8. In what sections of a racetrack are wings a benefit?

9. An effective ground effect design can create what downforce on an F-1 car?

10. Why is a turbocharger less effective at lower engine speeds?

11. On the same axis, sketch simple t-v graphs for two F-1 cars approaching a curve at similar velocities but one braking later.

12. What is the benefit of getting in the slipstream of the car in front?

13. Why might Kenny Bernstein's pass (1/4 mile dash) have seemed to take forever to him?

14. What demonstration makes clear the huge acceleration and power of his BudweiserKing?

15. Why is the "Christmas Tree" used?

16. At what rate does the BudweiserKing's 3 000 HP supercharged engine gulp its nitromethane-alcohol fuel mix?

17. During a burnout, what happens to the diameter of the slicks?

18. What advanced technology helps the team analyse the behavior of the car during each pass?

19. Before a pass, why do team members clean the track in the staging area?

20. Mr. Bernstein uses heat to get what three parts of his funny car ready for a pass?

21. What are the G forces: a) at the start b) near the end c) at the end of a pass?

22. Contrast drag racing and Formula 1 racing re: a) duration b) track layout