How can I use torque and angular acceleration to trick a slot machine?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter PseudoComplex
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a hypothetical scenario involving the application of torque and angular acceleration to manipulate a non-digital slot machine. Participants explore the feasibility of using physics concepts to achieve a desired outcome in a gambling context, with a focus on angular acceleration and torque relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scenario where a gambler could use calculated force on a slot machine lever to influence the outcome, suggesting a relationship between torque and angular acceleration.
  • Another participant notes that even old slot machines had mechanisms that could prevent manipulation, implying that the machines were designed to limit player control over outcomes.
  • A different participant expresses skepticism about the feasibility of the scenario, indicating that applying similar reasoning to a roulette wheel would complicate the problem significantly.
  • A light-hearted remark is made questioning the location of the slot machine in question, adding a humorous tone to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of the proposed scenario. While some engage with the idea, others express doubts about its practicality and the inherent design of slot machines.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the neglect of certain factors for entertainment purposes, but does not resolve the complexities involved in manipulating mechanical devices like slot machines.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the application of physics in unconventional scenarios, particularly in gambling contexts, as well as students looking for creative problem-solving ideas in angular motion.

PseudoComplex
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Hey, guys. Thanks for reading this.
I have to present some interesting angular acceleration problem in my physics class; please, tell me if this one is a good choice (if it's possible at all!). Something really bizarre, just made it up myself:

A gambler wants to trick a slot machine (old one, non-digital), applying certain calculated force on the lever, so as to get all the "fruits" on the reels. He knows all such values as angular acceleration, moment of inertia, etc. How to relate torque and angular acceleration here? In other words, how to develop this problem further? I know it's pretty unrealistic, but suppose we can neglect some facts for the purpose of entertainment.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
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Even the old slot machines were "rigged". The wheels in a slot machine will come to a quick stop within a range of speeds, and appeared to be "programmed", unlike a roulette wheel, which is usually "unrigged".
 
Thank you, Jeff. I guess, it's not going to work out... In the case with a roulette weel, the whole problem would become far too complicated, unless I wanted to derive a formula for calculating fortune.

Still, that was very well explained. Cheers.
 
Last edited:
So where is this slot machine you're trying to break? :)
 

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