Oberth effect on a slope - experiment idea

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    Experiment Idea Slope
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of conducting an experiment to observe the Oberth effect on a slope. Participants explore various experimental setups and ideas related to this concept, including the use of toy cars and measuring travel times under different conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a toy car with a thruster to measure the time taken to travel the same distance under two different conditions, suggesting that a shorter time would indicate greater velocity.
  • Another participant suggests rolling two cars or balls down a track, with the rear one starting slightly faster to collide at the lowest point, referencing the Hills mechanism as a similar principle.
  • Participants express curiosity about the details of the proposed experiment and seek clarification on the visual aids provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no explicit consensus on the experimental design, and multiple ideas are presented without resolution on which approach may be most effective.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the mechanics involved in the Oberth effect and the specific conditions of the experiment remain unaddressed, and there are unresolved details regarding the proposed setups.

speedythespeed
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TL;DR
experiment for Oberth effect on a slope
I'm just curious if something like the Oberth effect on a slope is doable as an experiment. I have a picture of my idea of what to do just looking for some opinions.
IMG_20211208_203323.jpg
 
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-Using car toy with trusther
-measuring the time needed for traveling the same distance in 2 conditions
- shorter time=grater velocity
 
Roll two cars (or perhaps balls) down the track, with the rear one starting slightly faster, so they collide at the lowest point.
(This is the Hills mechanism, but, same principle.)
 
Keith_McClary said:
Roll two cars (or perhaps balls) down the track, with the rear one starting slightly faster, so they collide at the lowest point.
(This is the Hills mechanism, but, same principle.)
Thank you for your help
 
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