Mouse Trap

Never Stop Physics-ing

My_QuikStory.MP4

filmr_composition.MP4

Dougherty's Principle Of Waterslide Form

Each person has his or her own method for going down waterslides. Some arch the back. Some ride heels. There are many forms, but all are just a guess. Physics, specifically Bernoulli's Principle, tells us the following is the fastest method. Reality also agrees.

If all object's fall at the same rate, then an object in a falling fluid cannot fall faster than the falling fluid surrounding it; therefore, an objects velocity will be maximized when the object becomes part of the fluid.

If you become as loose and flowing as the fluid, you behave just like the fluid. It works. Be careful. I have been flipped in even the tamest slides. Sadly, due to my achilles, I can no longer go down water slides, let alone use this method.

The Challenge

You will be attempting to catch a rolling ball with a falling cup and you will be competing with others to have the longest fall time. The top three times from all the combine classes will receive 10 bonus points on our 70 point unit test. This will be the time associated with your live demonstration.

Parameters

The bottom of the catching cup must fall at least .5m
You cannot exceed the length of a single track
You cannot push the ball.
Gravity and friction are the only force you can use. (Magnetic release is allowed)

The Lab Report

Why can't a documentary act as a "Lab Report"? Make a documentary of the challenges you are facing and overcoming. Be sure to include the "why's" and "how's" of what you are doing. You are going to be graded on style and scientific content. YOU NEED TO ADDRESS HOW YOU ARE DEALING WITH FRICTION. Feel free to have your own style, but make it rich! Remember that your documentary should be about what you as the scientist are doing in your experiment. Here is an example:

Things To Consider

In reality, a lot will go wrong. Here are some tips of wisdom to help you along your challenge!

The pulleys will have friction! Use the spring scale to find the frictional force.
Be sure to measure heights and distances for consistency.
Mathematicians love to find the number "1". Physicists and engineers love to find "0". Fnet is a good start
You will need to tear down and setup of several days. The angle of your ramp and distances are important for consistency.
When dealing with the formulas, remember to take a step back and view everything through the most basic lens.
Do not forget to record!
Even if it doesn't work, you can still grow a lot. More character is developed by overcoming challenges than by getting everything right!

Formula Help

Whiteboard20191105-1515.pdf

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