What shape makes the fastest pinewood derby car?
wedge
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
Is it better to put weight on top or bottom of pinewood derby car?
PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track. (Don’t put it too far back, or your Pinewood Derby car will become unstable and pop a wheelie.)
Do aerodynamics matter in pinewood derby?
What about air resistance? Yes, there is air resistance with these pine derby cars. And yes, for that effect the mass of the car does indeed matter.
What is the purpose of the pinewood derby?
The purpose of the Pinewood Derby is to help the Cub Scout build a team relationship with their parent or helper, experience the sense of accomplishment and the excitement of competition, learn Win/Lose good sportsmanship, and to have fun.
Do heavier pinewood derby cars go faster?
Much has been written about the physics of pinewood derby cars, and this is one rare case in racing where heavy = fast. Aerodynamics have little effect in such a short race, but weight does and putting the weight at the back of the car will make your car faster on the flat of the track.
Why does a heavier pinewood derby car go faster?
Does Boy Scouts do Pinewood Derby?
The pinewood derby is the wood car racing event of Scouts BSA. Pinewood derbies are often run by packs of the Cub Scouts program. With the help of adults, Scouts build their own unpowered, unmanned miniature cars from wood, usually from kits containing a block of pine wood, plastic wheels, and metal axles.
Are Bent axles legal in Pinewood Derby?
Axles may be bent or inserted to cant the wheels. 4. Axles may be positioned to allow one wheel to NOT touch the track via adjustment, bent axle or placement as long as this DOES NOT violate any other specifications.