Milestone 2: Energy and Momentum Analysis of Rube Goldberg Device

Overview

Step Selection: Select a step or stage in the Rube Goldberg device. Give a concise description of the step or stage.

1. Previous Step:
   1. Description: Analyze the behavior of the object in the interaction between the previous step and the selected step. Qualitatively describe the transfer of energy that occurs. Apply principles of conservation of energy and momentum to this behavior.
   2. Equations: Provide the equations that can be used to describe the transfer of energy and the momentum of the object from the previous step to the selected step. Explain the connection between the basic physics concepts in the equations and the interaction of the object and force(s) from step to step.
   3. Calculations: Calculate the transfer of energy and the momentum from the previous step to the selected step, using the applicable equations you identified. Explain how these calculations help you predict the object’s location and velocity from the previous step to the step you selected.
2. Selected Step:
   1. Equations: Provide the equations that can be used to describe the change in type and amount of energy across the selected step.
   2. Energy Calculation: Calculate the amount of energy that is converted from one form to another, using the changes in mass and height. For example, if appropriate for your selected step, you could calculate the transformation of potential energy to kinetic energy.
3. Next Step:
   1. Description: Analyze the behavior of the object in the interaction between the selected step and the next step. Qualitatively describe the transfer of energy that occurs. Apply principles of conservation of energy and momentum to this behavior.
   2. Equations: Provide the equations that can be used to describe the transfer of energy and the momentum of the object. Explain the connection between the basic physics concepts in the equations and the interaction of the object and force(s) from step to step.
   3. Calculations: Calculate the transfer of energy and the momentum from your selected step to the next step, using the applicable equations you identified. Explain how these calculations help you predict the object’s location and velocity from the step you selected to the next step.