Iona Prep Physics Assignment: Driver Ed 2

Applying the Scientific Method to Driver Ed (Part II).

As you learned in the last assignment, Bill Beatty , who maintains the Science Hobbyist web site, has informally applied the sceintific method to traffic jams, and has developed his own theory of merging lane MERGING LANE slowdowns.

To complete this assignment you should read the Merging Lane Traffic Jams page. While you are reading you must be actively thinking about the ideas he is presenting. You must understand what he is saying and compare his thoughts to your own experiences. Look at the animation he provides and note how the traffic flows.
Here is an experiment for you to do:
Use a watch and time how long it takes for a specific number of cars (perhaps 20 or 50) to get past the flashing light on the left. Repeat for the same number of cars to get past the light on the right.

If necessary, go back and review Mr. Beatty's Amateur Traffic Experiments.

Write an essay to answer the following questions:

1. According to Mr. Beatty, what is the cause of Merging Lane traffic jams?
2. How can Merging Lane traffic jams be avoided.
3. In your experiment, how many cars did you use?
4. How long did it take them to get through when bunched up?
5. How long did it take for them to get through when leaving spaces?
6. What is your reaction? (Do you agree or disagree with Mr. Beatty, and why?) Can you point out any flaws in the experiment?

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