Pinewood Derby Q&A

Why do heavier pinewood derby cars go down the track faster than lighter ones?

I thought this went against a law of gravity, that everything is affected by gravity at the same speed except for considering air resistance. Pinewood derby cars are shaped the same and should have the same air resistance.

Public Comments

1. It all has to do with inertia - think about it. You're not dealing with gravity so much as rolling resistance and the tendency for a body in motion to stay in motion. More mass, same resistance = more velocity.
2. why does a 250lb skier go down hill faster than 110lb skier?