Objective: Construct a machine with required (and optional) obstacles from specified materials. The obstacles must illustrate basic mechanics principles of:
Linear motion; Incline planes; Pulleys; Circular motion; Uniform accelerated motion;
Momentum and energy
The marble should be in constant motion for
at least 120 seconds.The marble (or any part of the machine) may not be touched or otherwise affected by outside forces other then gravity. Fluids cannot be used to slow the motion down. Living matter may not be used to keepthe marble in motion. The marble may not stay in one obstacle for more then 30 seconds. Electric Power can not be provided from an AC source. Current can only besupplied from a dry cell battery whose voltage does not exceed 12V.
Points will be awarded on the following basis:
10 pts The marble machine fits into a volume 1.0m high, 50cm wide, and 50cm deep.
10 pts The machine can be assembled in less then 5.0 minutes.
10 pts Aesthetic quality (a subjective evaluation by the teacher) 15 pts Required obstacles used:
Zigzag ramp
Elevator or other marble raising device (raise marble over 40cm)
Circular motion device
20 pts Project folder, includes:
Daily log/ calendar
Photos
Construction Plans
Detailed description (length, width, angle, etc.) of 5 obstacles
Detailed expense report
5 pts Budget under $10.00 for parts
30 pts
Calculations involving
obstacles (5 calculations X 3 required obstacles) Calculate at least 5 from the
following list for each required obstacle:
Time (From Kinematics Equations)
Distance
Avg. Velocity, v; and Vf
Acceleration through a ramp
Centripetal acceleration
Net Force with Free Body Diagram
Momentum
Any Battery operated device must be in the off position at the beginning and at the end of the marble run without outside interference from any source.
Teams cannot consist of more then two individuals. Add an additional 30 seconds for a Team. Total: 100 pts Deduction of 2/5 point for each second short of 120 or 150 seconds.
