Calculations

To find out all of our answers to the actual physics behind our Rube Goldberg machine we used these equations:

Force = (mass)(acceleration)
Acceleration = change in velocity/change in time
Velocity = change in distance/change in time
Work = (force)(distance)

Inclined Plane #1:

The potential and kinetic energy was 1.16 J (J=Joules). The force due to gravity was 1.52 N (N=Newtons). The velocity was 0.38 m/s (m/s=meters per second). The acceleration was 0.19 m/s squared. The length of the ramp was 76 cm.

Screw:

For our screw we calculated the force of the marble as it is rolling around or screw and it was 2 N.

Pulley:

We calculated the Mechanical Advantage by counting the number of strings, it was 1 mechanical advantage.

Inclined Plane #2:

The acceleration is about 0.38 m/s squared. the velocity is about 0.46 m/s. The distance is about 68 am.

Lever:

We calculated the work done by the lever when the ball makes it switch directions, it was about 0.86 J.

Wheel and Axle:

We calculated the force for our wheel and axle it was about 0.078 N.

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