PHYSICAL WORLD FINAL PROJECT

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Purpose:

• To understand how the concepts covered in Chapters 11, 12, and 13 affect engineering in the real world. Specific concepts will include Newton’s Laws, forces, potential energy, kinetic energy, and seismic waves.

Formulas:

• F = ma
• PE= mgh
• KE = (mv²) / 2

Materials:

• Toothpicks (50)
• White glue (5 grams)
• Calculator
• Masses (500 g)
• Notes
• Book

Procedure:

• Phase 1: CONSTRUCTION
• You will be given up to three days IN CLASS to construct a toothpick bridge using only toothpicks and white glue.
• Your bridge must be at least 1 toothpick high.
• Your bridge must be at least 1 toothpick wide.
• Mass must be placed on a flat. Level surface at least 5 cm off the ground.
• The remainder of the design is up to you.
• You do not have to use all of the toothpicks and glue given to you.
• Your task is to create a bridge that can hold a maximum weight while shaking (EQ).
• Phase 2: CALCULATIONS
• All of this phase has to be completed on the attached CALCULATIONS page.
• Explain how each of Newton’s three Laws is present in the assigned scenario. Show a calculation for Newton’s 2^nd Law.
• Draw a diagram of your bridge with a mass on top. Label ALL forces present is the bridge was experiencing an EQ.
• Calculate the potential energy of a 500g mass on your bridge.
• Calculate the kinetic energy of a dropped mass (500g) if it fell to the ground in 0.2 seconds.
• Which type of seismic wave does the machine produce? How do you know? How will this affect the mass on the bridge?
• Phase 3: DEMOLITION
• Each group will have their bridge collapsed to find the best and most effective design.
• Your bridge must hold 500 g for 5 seconds in order to score any points.
• Extra mass + time will be Bonus!

CALCULATIONS PAGE

• Explain how each of Newton’s three Laws are present in the assigned scenario. Show a calculation for Newton’s 2^nd Law.
• 1^st LOM:

• 2nd LOM:

• 3^rd LOM:

o Draw a diagram of your bridge with a mass on top. Label ALL forces present if the bridge was experiencing an EQ.

o Calculate the potential energy of a 500g mass on your bridge.

o Calculate the kinetic energy of a dropped mass (500g) if it fell to the ground in 0.2 seconds.

• Which type of seismic wave does the machine produce? How do you know? How will this affect the mass on the bridge?