Report for Rube Goldberg

The purpose of this project is to gain a greater understanding of physics concepts by using
them to construct a machine. This report will describe the design process and how the
physics concepts are demonstrated in the machine.
In my rube Goldberg, I chose to use four of the six simple machines: inclined plane, wedge,
pulley and wheel and axle. I chose to only use the four because I didnt want the machine to
be too complicated. These simple machines helped the rube Goldberg to demonstrate speed,
momentum, potential energy, kinetic energy and inertia.
I chose to demonstrate two physics concepts: collision and change of motion. A
collision occurs when two or more objects hit each other. When objects collide, each
object feels a force for a short amount of time. In my machine, collision is demonstrated by
the dominos, as they collide and fall. In my machine, a toy car pushed the first domino which
collided with all the other dominos to push marble. A change of motion is a change in
position of an object over time and is described in terms of displacement, distance, velocity,
acceleration, time and speed. In my machine, change of motion is demonstrated by the
inclined plane and the wedge. The inclined plane accelerates the marble, as the wedge is
used to slow the marble by the change of direction.
I used all of 5 motion/energy/force in my machine: potential energy, kinetic energy, inertia,
momentum and speed. Potential energy is the energy controlled by a body by its position
relative to others, stresses within itself, electric charge, and other factors. In my machine,
potential energy is demonstrated by a toy pushed by a human hand which knocked dominoes.
Kinetic energy is energy which a body holds by being in motion. In my machine, kinetic
energy is demonstrated. Inertia is the resistance of any physical object to any change in its
state of motion, which includes changes to its speed, direction, or state of rest. It is the
tendency of objects to keep moving in a straight line at constant velocity. In my machine,
inertia is demonstrated by the inclined planes and the wedge, as these simple machines are
stable from the firm sticky tape which holds the marble without breaking anything.
Momentum is demonstrated by the mass in motion and measured as a product of its mass and
velocity. In my machine, momentum is demonstrated by the marble, as it is in a sign speed
and motion. Speed is demonstrated by the rate at which someone or something
moves/operates. In my machine, speed is demonstrated by the movement of the marble,
dominos, toy car and pulley.
My machine helped me to understand the way physics works because it demonstrates most of
the physics concepts of force, motion and energy. I would add more simple machines and
parts to make the machine more longer, interesting and creative. I would also change how
the materials are attached to the cardboard because hot glue and sticky tape could stable the
materials more than just sticky tape, to be sure that nothing attached to the cardboard will
not break or fall apart.