Energy and Momentum Project Part 1: Dimensions Estimate the height of the person in the photo. Use the person standing beside the machine to estimate the dimensions of the machine. Sketch the dimensions you are estimating on the pinball machine below. Note: I only need dimensions for lengths indicated with arrows. Part 2: Conservation of Energy Pinball machines work by pulling a pin that compresses a spring. When the pin is released, the spring extends and pushes the ball. See diagram below: Knowns The spring constant on pinball machines can vary from 60.0 - 300.0 N/m. Choose a k value for your machine ____. Estimate how far back someone would pull the pin. I am estimating ______ cm. Research to find a reasonable frictional co-efficient between the pinball and the playing surface. = ___ Note: Source the site you found your frictional co-efficient The mass of a pinball is 80.0 g. Solve Using the dimensions you estimated in part 1, and the values you have above, determine the speed of the pinball when it reaches the top of the table after you shoot it. Note: To make life simpler, assume when the spring is compressed, that is horizontal and flat against the front of the machine. Also, use ENERGY methods. Do not use only knowledge from our dynamics unit. Part 3: Momentum The ball you just shot had an elastic collision with the back wall and has rolled halfway back down the table, calculate its new velocity. Include the effects of friction. The initial velocity at the top of the table is the final velocity you calculated in part 2. Note: Use ENERGY methods. Do not use only knowledge from our dynamics unit. Another ball comes at [insert birth month 2 Ex. October - 10 2 = 5] m/s at an angle of [insert birth day Ex. 31] degrees below the horizontal. It leaves with a velocity of [cut the original velocity in half ex. 2.5] m/s, and an angle of [your birthday * 2 ex. 62] degrees below the horizontal. 2 1 1 2 1) What is the velocity of the first ball after they collide? Note: We are using our birthdays to make up numbers for velocity and angles, these numbers may not be realistic. As a result, the numbers we calculate may not seem super realistic either. 2) Was this collision elastic or inelastic? Give both mathematical and conceptual explanations. 3) Does this abide by the conservation of energy? Explain. 4) Would a pinball be able to hit just the right features on the pinball table top such that it continued moving forever? Explain. Part 4: Reflection How do pinball machines use the concepts of energy and momentum? How would you suggest they improve? Note: Ideas for improvement should be related to energy and momentum.