Domino Theory

Areas of Science	Mechanical Engineering
Difficulty
Time Required	Average (6-10 days)

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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)

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.pdf

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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 29 Oct. 2020.

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

Experimental Procedure

For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk (*) at the end of the title.

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Abstract

Bibliography