Gravitational potential energy challenge

[p4physics]

ok I am in high school and have a physics challenge, its a device that transports a mass of 305 grams (Tomato soup can), a distance of 4 meters. no chemical, elastic, spring, electrical or magnetic energy can be used - the only energy source for propelling the device will come from the gravitational potential energy of the soup can. the soup can can be located no higher than 20 cm above the device itself and it will fall down on the device and we are to come up with some form of mechanism to propel the device once the can falls on it. other restrictions are -
1. device has max dimensions of 30cm X 30cm X 30cm
2. nothing falls off the device. if a part detaches and falls on the ground the distance traveled will be measured from starting point to the part.
3. once the device starts to move, it will be self guided and must travel in a straight line. the course is 1 meter wide and if it goes off course, the distance traveled will be from the starting point to where it first went off course.
4. once the can falls, it must not go lower or into the device. so basically it falls and lands on top of device but doesn't go through it to the ground.
so... if you have any ideas, please post them. thank you!

 

[Nate810]

One possible solution is to use a lever system. The soup can would be placed at the fulcrum of the lever, with the device at one end, and a counterweight at the other. When the soup can falls, it will cause the lever to pivot, pushing the counterweight in one direction and the device in the other. By adjusting the weight of the counterweight and the length of the lever arm, you can create enough force to propel the device the desired distance.

 

[Moetasim]

I find this challenge very interesting and challenging. It requires us to think creatively and use the principles of physics to come up with a solution.

Firstly, we need to understand the concept of gravitational potential energy. This is the energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field. In this case, the soup can has the potential to do work (move) because of its position above the device.

To propel the device, we need to convert the gravitational potential energy of the soup can into kinetic energy. This can be achieved by using a lever or pulley system. The soup can can be attached to one end of the lever or pulley, and the other end can be attached to the device. When the soup can falls, it will pull the lever or pulley, causing the device to move forward.

To ensure that the soup can does not go lower or into the device, we can use a platform or ramp at the bottom of the device. This will allow the soup can to land and stay on top of the device, without going through it.

To meet the restrictions of the challenge, we can design the device to have a maximum dimension of 30cm X 30cm X 30cm, and make sure that no parts detach during the movement. We can also add a guiding mechanism, such as wheels or a track, to ensure that the device moves in a straight line.

In conclusion, by using a lever or pulley system, a platform or ramp, and a guiding mechanism, we can convert the gravitational potential energy of the soup can into kinetic energy and propel the device forward, meeting all the restrictions of the challenge. I hope this response helps you in your physics challenge. Good luck!