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Physics, 'the nature of motion'. This website will explain simple machines and Newton's laws for the purpose of school. In particular, we will explain our Rube Goldberg project and the basic physics overview, as well as the simple machines employed.

Physics:

Newton's Laws

General Physics Vocabulary
(Basics)

Simple Machine:  A basic mechanical device for adding/applying a force; a continuous mechanical system.  Examples: Wheel and Axle, Levers

 

Input Force:  The force that one exerts into a system, also known as the effort. For example, Gertrude put in 12 Newtons (measurement of force) to lift the heavy box.  (Fi)

 

Output Force:  The force that an object exerts, the other end of a simple machine's action; also known as the load.  For example, a 200 Newton stone rolled down the hill, plowing through a stand of trees.  (Fo)

Mechanical Advantage:  The ratio of the force applied to a machine compared to the force produced by it.  MA is also used to determine the performance of the machine. Formula: 

MA=output force/input force,  MA=Fo/Fi

 

Work:  In physics terms, work is done when the force exerted on an object (input force) moves the object.    Formula: Work=Force*disance, W=Fd

 

Kinetic Energy:  energy that belongs to a mass that is in motion.  Formula: KE=1/2mv*v,  KE=1/2*mass*velocity*velocity

 

Potential Energy:  energy that belongs to a stationary object due to its position relative to the ground, stored energy.  Formula: PE=mass*gravity*height,  PE=mgh

First Law
An object in motion stays in motion.

Simple Machines

Second Law
F=M*A
Pulleys
Third Law
Every force/action has an equal and opposite reaction.
Lever
Wheel and Axle
Spring
Incline Plane
Wedge

Our Project

Goal:  To put toothpaste onto a toothbrush.

Simple machines employed: first class lever, fixed pulley, incline plane, wheel and axle, spring (rubber band).

Above Left:  A fixed pulley with a mechanical advantage of two.

Above Right:  A homemade first class lever.

Energy Transfers

Energy transfers are similar to the law of conservation of energy.  The conservation of energy states that energy is neither created nor destroyed, it changes from one form to another such as potential energy to kinetic energy.  There are several examples of energy transfers in our Rube Goldberg machine.

Above:  A model Porshe 918 Spyder

Simple machine: wheel and axle

Rube Goldberg

Rube Goldberg was a man who became well known during the early-mid 1900's.  He was recognized for his sketches of wild machines that performed simple tasks.  We tried to make a Rube Goldberg machine, except we tried to make it so that it would actually work.  This website contains information on simple machines and how they are incoorporated into our project.

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