Applying Physics to Pinball Machines: A Comprehensive Guide

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Shaheemie
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    Machines Physics
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of physics principles to pinball machines, focusing on basic concepts suitable for an 11th grade Honors Physics class. Participants explore various physics topics relevant to the mechanics of pinball machines.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks resources on how physics is applied to pinball machines, indicating a general interest in the topic.
  • Another participant suggests that physics is integral to understanding pinball machines, implying that many principles are involved.
  • A participant expresses a need for basic physics concepts rather than in-depth analysis, indicating a focus on foundational knowledge.
  • Specific physics concepts are proposed, including Newton's third law, impulse-momentum equations, and kinematic equations, which could explain the behavior of the pinball in various scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relevance of physics to pinball machines and the need for basic concepts, but there is no consensus on specific resources or depth of information required.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the participant's request for resources, and the application of the proposed physics concepts to pinball machines remains open to interpretation.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in high school physics courses, educators looking for practical applications of physics, and enthusiasts interested in the mechanics of pinball machines.

Shaheemie
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Do any of you know of a good site, or just a general site, where physics is applied to pinball machines? I 'm having trouble finding any, if there are any out there, that is.
 
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What would you like to know? There is a couple of things about pinball machines related to physics (and by a couple of things I mean, well... everything).
 
Well, I don't need it in great depth. I'm in an 11th grade Honors Physics class and there is only so much we can cover and understand. Obviously basics is needed. That would be really helpful, thank you. I trust your judgement. If I have any trouble, I'll just yell. :P
 
I'm guessing you are in Physics C (Mechanics). You should look into Newton's third law (law of conservation). This can represent how the pinball will bounce off of walls. You can also look at impulse momentum equations F/delta t = M /delta V. This can be applied to when the flipper hits the ball. You can then look at d = 1/2gt^2. This equation can (when applied on a tilted axis, because the ball is not dropping straight down) provide a distance that the ball will travel downwards in a given amount of time, or you can use the equation v_f^2 = v_o^2 + 2ad for the velocity of a ball.

Good luck!
 
That's fantastic. That's just what I needed.
Thank you!
 

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