Activity

Laws of force and motion using wheelchairs:

The following trials look at how a person using a wheelchair might be affected by laws of force and motion. The variables include the size of the front wheels on the wheelchair, the position of the back wheels, and the weight and position of the person using the wheelchair.

Front wheel:
- Smaller wheels are more easily stopped by obstacles
- Larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily

Back Wheel:
- A more forward position for the back wheel moves the center of gravity forward.
- A more backward position for the back wheel moves the center of gravity backward.

Bodies:
Weight of the wheelchair rider as well as distribution of that weight (mass) impacts how the wheelchair performs in different situations.

Trial 1: Level Slope
Trial 2: Uphill
Trial 3: Downhill

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