The Free Fall Ride JavaScript Model allows a user to design a ride by adjusting the height versus time graph. The apparent weight of the rider arises from the ever present acceleration of gravity in combination with the acceleration of the elevator. If the elevator is stationary or moving with constant speed (i.e. not accelerating), the rider feels their normal weight. If the elevator accelerates upwards, the rider feels heavier and if the elevator accelerates downward the rider feels lighter. With a strong enough downward acceleration, the rider can experience effective weightlessness or even negative g forces (requiring seat belts or restraints to avoid head trauma!).
The Free Fall Ride JavaScript Model was developed using the Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations (EJS) modeling tool. Although EJS is a Java program, EJS v5 and above can be used to create stand-alone JavaScript programs that run in almost any browser.
Please note that this resource requires
at least version 1.5 of Java (JRE).
Free Fall Ride JS Source Code
This source code zip archive contains an XML representation of the Free Fall Ride JavaScript Model. Unzip this archive in your EJS workspace to compile and run this model using EJS ver 5.1. Although EjsS is a Java program, it creates a stand alone JavaScript program from this source code. download 1025kb .zip
Last Modified: January 1, 2017
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The motion of an object is determined by the sum of the forces acting on it; if the total force on the object is not zero, its motion will change. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force needed to achieve the same change in motion. For any given object, a larger force causes a larger change in motion. (6-8)
Types of Interactions (PS2.B)
Newton's law of universal gravitation and Coulomb's law provide the mathematical models to describe and predict the effects of gravitational and electrostatic forces between distant objects. (9-12)
Crosscutting Concepts (K-12)
Cause and Effect (K-12)
Systems can be designed to cause a desired effect. (9-12)
Systems and System Models (K-12)
Models can be used to represent systems and their interactions—such as inputs, processes and outputs—and energy and matter flows within systems. (6-8)
When investigating or describing a system, the boundaries and initial conditions of the system need to be defined and their inputs and outputs analyzed and described using models. (9-12)
Stability and Change (2-12)
Systems can be designed for greater or lesser stability. (9-12)
Change and rates of change can be quantified and modeled over very short or very long periods of time. Some system changes are irreversible. (9-12)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Analyzing and Interpreting Data (K-12)
Analyzing data in 9–12 builds on K–8 and progresses to introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models to generate and analyze data. (9-12)
Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (e.g., computational, mathematical) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution. (9-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
Modeling in 9–12 builds on K–8 and progresses to using, synthesizing, and developing models to predict and show relationships among variables between systems and their components in the natural and designed worlds. (9-12)
Use a model to predict the relationships between systems or between components of a system. (9-12)
M. Gallis, Computer Program FREE FALL RIDE JS MODEL (2017), WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14297&DocID=4645).
Gallis, M. (2017). Free Fall Ride JS Model [Computer software]. Retrieved September 7, 2024, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14297&DocID=4645
%A Michael Gallis %T Free Fall Ride JS Model %D January 1, 2017 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14297&DocID=4645 %O text/html
%0 Computer Program %A Gallis, Michael %D January 1, 2017 %T Free Fall Ride JS Model %8 January 1, 2017 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14297&DocID=4645
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1 ready-to-run example is available
1 supplemental document is available
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