Domino Theory *
| Areas of Science |
Mechanical Engineering |
| Difficulty | |
| Time Required | Average (6-10 days) |
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
Have you ever set up a line of dominoes and watched them fall? If you wanted to make your line of dominoes fall faster, do you think you should set the dominoes up with more or less space between them? Set your dominoes up in a straight line, using a ruler to keep the spacing between them constant. Try different spacings at 0.5cm increments. Conduct multiple trials at each spacing, and time how long it takes for a fixed total length of dominoes to fall (e.g., a 1.5 or 3.0 meter length of dominoes). Average your results for each spacing. At which spacing do the dominoes fall the fastest? Can you explain your results? Can you predict the optimal spacing for a set of taller (or shorter) dominoes? Find another set and test your prediction! (Gatanaga, D.A., 2004)Share your story with Science Buddies!
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Cite This Page
General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.MLA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
"Domino Theory." Science Buddies,
28 July 2017,
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p034/mechanical-engineering/domino-theory.
Accessed 15 Oct. 2019.
APA Style
Science Buddies Staff.
(2017, July 28).
Domino Theory.
Retrieved from
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p034/mechanical-engineering/domino-theory
Last edit date: 2017-07-28
Bibliography
Gatanaga, D.A., 2004. "How Does the Distance Between Dominoes Affect the Speed That Dominoes Fall?" California State Science Fair Project Abstract [accessed April 18, 2006] http://cssf.usc.edu/History/2004/Projects/J0211.pdfNews Feed on This Topic
Note: A computerized matching algorithm suggests the above articles. It's not as smart as you are, and it may occasionally give humorous, ridiculous, or even annoying results! Learn more about the News Feed
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