I’m impressed, if only kids read comics these days…there is unfortunately too many big words like kinetic and calculations…. but if they did this could seep into their unconscious like a Slurpee…
Need to factor in the rigidity of the track and the weight of the hot wheel car. Momentum absorbed by the deflection of the track could kill the speed.
They should have done a preliminary experiment with a U-shaped track. By measuring the release height and final height of the car they could get the percent energy lost to friction. Once they’ve done that they can work backward from their calculation to get the correct minimum release height with friction at least partially accounted for. The students in my remedial physics class used to do this exact experiment with Hot Wheels track and either steel balls or cars, their choice.
Templo S.U.D. about 5 years ago
let me guess: the cars are going to get more speed if well lubricricated
dvandom about 5 years ago
Tsk, Jason would be taking into account the moments of inertia of the wheels.
Wilde Bill about 5 years ago
I’m surprised that Peter picked up on that. Science doesn’t seem to be his strong suit.
Farside99 about 5 years ago
They’ll find the viscosity of olive oil could be a detriment.
Arbitrary about 5 years ago
I’m surprised Peter actually considered that!
The Reader Premium Member about 5 years ago
Don’t worry, we’ll put the oil back in the bottle after we’re finished.
Sephten about 5 years ago
He certainly hasn’t allowed for the viscosity of the oil!
Sephten about 5 years ago
And I’m still trying to work out where the 5 came from — unless it’s g/2 rounded up?
mrcooncat about 5 years ago
Make that a ‘mag-lev’ track and it might have a chance …
BoydAdams about 5 years ago
I’m impressed, if only kids read comics these days…there is unfortunately too many big words like kinetic and calculations…. but if they did this could seep into their unconscious like a Slurpee…
Auntie Socialist about 5 years ago
Hot Wheels – no friction to speak of…
Kilrwat Premium Member about 5 years ago
Need to factor in the rigidity of the track and the weight of the hot wheel car. Momentum absorbed by the deflection of the track could kill the speed.
Mowgli-Chiara about 5 years ago
No friction!
William Bednar Premium Member about 5 years ago
“And”, Mom continues, “Why is that car waited with lead?”.
TaraCurry about 5 years ago
Two minutes later: “Why is there a Hot Wheels car in your brother’s eye?” “Because you made me take a break from video games.”
Constantinepaleologos about 5 years ago
I’m surprised Peter was able to catch that.
KEA about 5 years ago
So they’re addressing the friction in the axles (not really), but what are they doing about the coefficient of drag?
my name is super creative about 5 years ago
Jason looks kinda weird…
asmbeers about 5 years ago
Why is nobody curious why these kids, including Peter, understand calculus? Have you talked to today’s kids?
R. A. Schwartz about 5 years ago
They should have done a preliminary experiment with a U-shaped track. By measuring the release height and final height of the car they could get the percent energy lost to friction. Once they’ve done that they can work backward from their calculation to get the correct minimum release height with friction at least partially accounted for. The students in my remedial physics class used to do this exact experiment with Hot Wheels track and either steel balls or cars, their choice.
scpandich about 5 years ago
It’s been a quarter of century since I’ve done anything formal with physics and I think I got most of that.
eccolibri60 about 5 years ago
Why isn’t there a trademark symbol after the words Hot Wheels®?
Teto85 Premium Member about 5 years ago
Guys, you need to lubricate the track. And Astroglide would have been a better choice of lubricant.
DCBakerEsq about 5 years ago
If the friction doesn’t get you, the crash certainly will.
dsjwriter about 5 years ago
Maybe eating the banana is making Peter smarter. You know, tooth is stronger than friction.
bnagata about 5 years ago
I woulda gone for teflon bike lube.
Concretionist about 5 years ago
Only in fiction is there no friction.
http://www.davidbrin.com/practiceeffect.html
SammyWoo about 5 years ago
Waaa… Peter knows math?
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] about 5 years ago
A frictionless surface will be next to impossible. Doesn’t mean they can’t lower the friction though.
dsidney49 about 5 years ago
The paint just dissolved… the car is ready!!
Snoots about 5 years ago
Their biggest omission in the calculation is where the olive oil-covered hot wheels car winds up in Page’s room.
ShinnWu about 5 years ago
(hA-hB)=>r/2; hA=>hB+r/2; hB=2r; hA=>2r+r/2; hA=>5r/2
Asrial about 5 years ago
The starting point needs to be higher. What is to stop the cars from going off track? Also, their loop isn’t round.
MY DOG IS MY CO PILOT about 5 years ago
Being one of the least mathematically minded people on the planet do any of the equasions shon on this strip actually work out?
Chad With a Beard about 4 years ago
NERD!
BBblefg over 3 years ago
did anyone check his calculations??