Book ThemedRube Goldberg Project
Overview:A Rube Goldberg machine is designed to make a simple task challenging. For
our project, the simple task was to sink a small paper boat. To do this, weadded about 18 steps, some repeats, that contributed to the eventual sinking
of the boat. Our final step is supposed to be symbolic of the ship sinking inthe book Moby Dick, with the marble colliding with it representing the
whale. 1. Car slides off book:
The force of gravity causes the car to slide forward. This is an
example of simple kinematics. This also illustrates a simple
machine. The wheel and axle is a part of the car and allows it
to move forward.
2. Car hits book:
The car hits the book and transfers most of it’s kinetic energy
into the book. The book absorbs most of the kinetic energy
from the car upon impact, propelling it forward. This is an
example of a simple collision.
3. Domino books:
The books hit each other and fall over. As each book falls, the
force of gravity and the combined force of the other book
falling propel the book at a rapid pace toward the ground.This
is an example of gravity and a collision.
4. Lever:
The book falls and hits a simple lever. The book falls and the
force of gravity propels the book down. The book hits the
lever and the kinetic energy is transferred to the ruler and the
ruler moves a small amount before hitting the ground. This is
an example of a simple projectile and simple machines
converting the energy.
5. Ruler flips and pulls strings:
The ruler uses kinetic energy to transfer energy through the
string to pull the string in a direction.The transfer of the kinetic
energy through the ruler and the string are both ways that
energy is moved through our machine.
8. Single marble drops and collides with the boat:
Force and velocity are major factors presented in this step
because the marble had to gain velocity to allow enough
force to be put onto the boat to speedup the sinking process.
9. Straw moves and let's the marbles out from the gate:
The straw is taken out by the string. The kinetic energy is
applied to the string causing it to move backward. The straw
is connected to the string and moves as well.
10. Marbles in funnel:
Potential and Kinetic energy are involved in this as major
factors due to the buildup of energy when dropping into the
funnel and going around in the funnel.
11. Marble rapidly exits funnel:
The circular motion of the marble and the force of gravity
combined as the marble exits the tunnel are translated into
linear energy on the track. The marble exits and hits the
sides of the track as it straightens it’s path out.
12. Marbles free falls off track into second funnel:
This illustrates potential and kinetic energy because the
energy stored allows the marble to complete its task by
exerting enough builtup force.
13. Marble collides with bag/cup of water:
This is an example of pressure being put on an object and
creating a greater output force. This output is the rate at
which the water empties from the bag and into the funnel
and increases flow. However, the main topic involved is
force of friction, which was involved by the bag pushing
upward
6.Paper is forced out of
track and marble is freed:
The paper is taken out by
the string. The kinetic
energy is applied to the
string causing it to move
backward. The paper is
connected to the string
and moves as well.
7. Single marble follows
the track down:
The marble rolls down the
track due to the force of
gravity. The slope of the
track helps the marble roll
down the track even
faster. The low friction
design of the marble also
helps it to roll faster.
Analysis:
Analysis Continued:14. Water is forced through the bag of water after the collision:
The water being forced through the bag of water is an example of a force
being applied. Gravity also helps the flow of water due to the angle at
which the water is flowing.
15. Water forced through a small funnel:
The water that is forced through the funnel is the direct result of the
pressure exerted on the bag which then allows the water to flow on a set
path for the next step. This was important in order to allow initial water
pressure to continue by blocking water from leaking out.
16. Water travels through straws:
The water travelling through the straws is essentially water moving in a
pipe. This can be compared to the wavelength and speed of sound unit
covered this year in physics because the similar way in which both work.
Although they are mostly different, the way the water compared to sound
waves moving in the pipe are somewhat similar.
17. Water drips into boat:
This step demonstrates the cohesion of water molecules which adds to the
density and helps the boat to sink. This step shows the transfer of energy
of the water movement with gravity acting upon the water, though it
remains in a cohesive drop. When it collides with the boat it absorbs and
adds weight to the boat.
18. Boat sinking:
The boat finally sinking also involves the cohesion of water molecules
which allows the boat to actually be submerged. While sinking, the water
can exert more force on the boat because of the force of friction that
pushes in multiple directions, and the natural properties of water reacting
with the paper.
Comic:
Caroline Moran, David Shnowske, Danielle Holbrook
