Designing Wheelchairs

According to the text, what is mass?

• The speed at which an object moves

• The amount of matter that makes up an object

• The strength of the force acting on an object

• The resistance caused by friction

Why does Dr. Rory Cooper design some wheelchairs to be light?

• So they’re easier to tip over

• To make them more expensive

• To keep them from moving too fast

• So they can change velocity more easily

Which sentence from the text best explains why racing wheelchairs are made of light materials?

• “Some wheelchairs have motors, and others are operated by hand.”

• “Dr. Cooper is also an athlete.”

• “It also takes less force from the racer to stop a light chair than it takes to stop a heavy chair.”

• “Wheelchair rugby players need stability.”

What does the author mean by “lighter chairs change velocity more easily than heavier ones”?

• Light chairs need less force to start or stop

• Light chairs can carry more weight

• Light chairs resist motion more

• Light chairs are slower

Why are wheelchair rugby chairs heavier than racing chairs?

• To make them faster

• To make them more balanced during collisions

• o make them easier to push

• To use fewer materials

If a rugby wheelchair and a racing wheelchair are pushed with the same strength force, what will

• Both will move the same amount

• The lighter racing chair will have a greater change in velocity

• The heavier rugby chair will have a greater change in velocity

• Neither will move

What does velocity mean in this article?

• The resistance to movement

• The direction of force

• The total mass of the object

• The speed and direction of motion

How does Dr. Cooper’s work show the connection between science and engineering?

• He studies friction and motion but doesn’t design anything

• He uses what scientists know about forces to design better wheelchairs

• He builds wheelchairs only by trial and error

• He focuses on art and design instead of science

Which quote best supports the claim that engineers design wheelchairs based on the user’s needs?

• “Dr. Cooper designs each wheelchair to fit the person who will be using it.”

• “Wheelchairs are built for speed.”

• “The Paralympics are a series of athletic events.”

• “Rugby wheelchairs are heavier.”

If Dr. Cooper wanted to design a new chair for basketball players, which two features would he likely focus on?

• Extra-heavy mass for stability and slow speed

• Motors for higher power and automatic braking

• Lightweight frame with no friction

• Low mass for quick turns and moderate weight for balance