Re: What are the physics of a waterslide?

Dear Megan and Starlie

a waterslide is - from the perspective of physics - a "tilted plane" with 
little friction. The physics of such a plane is explained in any good 
textbook on physics, chapter mechanics/forces..

In brief: A body on a plane with inclination angle alpha feels a downhill 
force of F_parallel = sin(alpha)m g , where m is the mass, g=9.81 m/s2. For 
 good values I'd search the internet for commercial slides and find out the 
hight and length of the slides and thus their tilt angle.

For a project on a waterslide I'd take into account the slope of the slide, 
the amount of water per time needed (get the right pumping power), the tube 
diameter and a good mechanical stability. Good luck and good fun !

Uli Dammer, Switzerland