What is the “optimal” weight distribution for a pinewood derby car — in front/behind, above/below the center of gravity? – BP
I’ll assume that the car starts on a slope and coasts downhill to a level finish. If that’s the case, then you want to put the car’s center of gravity as far back in the car as you can get it. That way, the center of gravity will start as high as possible in the tilted car and will finish as low as possible in the level car. During a race, the car obtains its kinetic energy (its energy of motion) from its gravitational potential energy. The farther the car’s center of gravity descends during the race, the more gravitational potential energy will be converted to kinetic energy and the faster the car will go.