Names____________________________Date______________________________ Physics Lab Energy

The Challenge
Using what you know about types of energy, conservation of energy, work, and power, design a Rube Goldberg machine capable of launching a ping pong ball into the air. You may construct your device out of any provided recycled material and classroom objects (with permission). Your device should incorporate as many transitions and types of energy as possible. For each transition of the type of energy in your machine, you will be awarded one extra credit point on the next test (up to 10 points). Before constructing your machine, you must get a signature from your teacher certifying that you have completed the design portion of the lab.

Design
1. Explain the physics concepts that apply to this lab (3-4 sentences). 2. Draw a picture of your Rube Goldberg machine design. Label the parts of your machine. 3. Create a chart, in one column list the machines action and in the next column list the energy transition. (ex. A mass drops and hits a seesaw; potential -> kinetic) 4. Do you expect energy to be conserved in your machine? Why or why not? (2-3 sentences). 5. Make a prediction about your machines performance. Do you think your machine will function properly? Why do you think it will work well or badly? (2-3 sentences). STOP! YOU MUST GET A SIGNATURE FROM YOUR TEACHER IN ORDER TO CONTINUE WITH THE LAB. Signature ________________________________________

Testing
You will have two chances to run your machine. You may not touch your machine after you have started it. Each successful energy transition will count as one point towards your final score. Points will be added directly onto your test grade. If your machine successfully launches the ping pong ball into the air one additional bonus point will be added to your score. 1. Record at least two observations of your machine during testing. 2. Record the number of successful transitions that your machine completed and what the transitions were.

Analysis
1. Were you happy with your machines overall performance? Describe what went well and what could be improved upon (3-5 sentences). 2. If you were to redesign your machine, what would you change? (2-3 sentences). 3. Draw a picture of your improved machine design. Label the parts of your machine.

4. Add another column to your chart form design problem 3. In this final column list the equation representing the energy transition (hint: the two types of energy should be set equal). 5. Describe a real life application for the concepts used in this lab (2-3 sentences).