Variable Speed Car Lab

*please note: there are 7 blue cars

hidden somewhere on the poster. If
you can find all 7, we get extra credit.

Courtney Looser and Emily Morgan

Abstract
In the Variable Speed Car Lab, different variables are
tested on a car moving at a constant speed in order to
identify the effects. Specifically, the effect of extra weight
on the car was tested. This experiment was conducted to
inform the audience on whether or not weight effects the
speed of a moving object. To investigate this problem, we
conducted trials applying different masses to the car each
time while keeping the speed constant. Both 100 grams
and 1,000 grams were tested; however, the difference in
weight did not effect the speed. In both trials, the car
moves 34 centimeters in six seconds. In conclusion, the
previous hypothesis (if heavier weights are added to the
car, it will go slower) was proven wrong.

Objectives
The purpose of this experiment was to test
different variables on a car moving at a
constant speed. The objective was to try to
figure out if the hypothesis, that the heavier
car would move slower, was correct or if
weight had no effect whatsoever on the
speed of the car. Different masses were
added to the car and tested at a constant
speed in order to test this hypothesis, that
was ultimately disproved.

Methods

Results

Conclusions

The Variable Speed Car Lab was conducted by

applying different masses to a moving car and
recording the data for each trial. The specific
weights tested for this experiment were 100
grams and 1,000 grams. Many trials were
conducted and the data from each was recorded
into data tables. From those data tables, the
points were plotted onto graphs that displayed the
data in a more visual way. Analyzing the data was
done by determining if the distances and times
recorded for each mass made sense. For example,
as the distance the car travels increases, the time
should do the same. Checking to make sure all of
the data makes sense is the best literature review
for this experiment. In order to conduct this
experiment to its full potential, each student in
the group must be paying close attention and
interact with the car and other students in the
group. Each student must also record accurate
data so accurate results are obtained.

After testing our hypothesis, we found

that no matter how heavy the mass
added to the car was, it sill moved at
the same rate. Once the data was
graphed, it was evident that although
the mass changed drastically, the
speed remained constant. For
example, the total distance traveled in
6 seconds for each car was around
42.5 centimeters regardless of the
mass that was added.

In conclusion, this lab proved our initial

hypothesis, that the car with the
greater mass would move slower,
incorrect. The different masses tested,
100 grams and 1,000 grams, had no
effect on the speed of the car. The
speed of the car remained almost
completely constant throughout both
tests and the small differences were
more so a result of human error rather
than the mass effecting the speed of
the car. In summary, the variable
speed car lab proves basic human
knowledge (that heavier things move
slower) wrong and shows that the
mass of the object does not have an
effect on the objects speed.

Relationship
Between Distance
Traveled with
Different Masses

100 g
Time (seconds)

Distance (cm)

14

19.3

25.4

32.3

centimeters

43

1,000 g

Time (seconds)

Distance (cm)

13.5

18.5

26

35

42.2

seconds

Answers: Car 1-underneath conclusions box. Car 2-under

conclusion & above hypothesis. Car 3-in objectives box. Car 4inside window of car 3. Car 5-on graph. Car 6-in the left hawks
eye. Car 7-in the C in title.