Dominoes: Proving Zero Loss of Energy

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In summary, when setting off a domino chain, the initial energy is just an activation energy and the potential energy stored in each domino continues the reaction.
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Mu naught
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I was watching a video on youtube and thought about how well dominoes transport energy from one place to another. As soon as you set off one, it seems like you should be able to knock over an infinite amount of dominoes, but could you really? How would you prove if the initial energy you put in is ever lost?
 
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What about the potential energy stored in each one?
 
  • #3
Mu naught said:
I was watching a video on youtube and thought about how well dominoes transport energy from one place to another. As soon as you set off one, it seems like you should be able to knock over an infinite amount of dominoes, but could you really? How would you prove if the initial energy you put in is ever lost?
The initial energy is just an activation energy and the situation is no different from how things burn: a small activation energy releases a large amount of stored energy and some of that released energy goes toward continuing the reaction.
 

Related to Dominoes: Proving Zero Loss of Energy

1. How do dominoes prove zero loss of energy?

Dominoes can be used to demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another. In the case of dominoes, the energy from the initial push is transferred and conserved as potential energy in each domino as it falls, until the very last domino falls and transfers all of its energy to the ground.

2. Can energy be lost in the process of dominoes falling?

No, energy is not lost in the process of dominoes falling. As mentioned before, the energy is conserved and transferred from one domino to the next until it reaches the end. This is known as a closed system, where no energy can enter or escape.

3. How does the spacing between dominoes affect the energy transfer?

The spacing between dominoes can have a significant impact on the energy transfer in a domino chain. If the spacing is too far apart, the energy may not be strong enough to knock over the next domino, resulting in a break in the chain. On the other hand, if the spacing is too close, the energy may be too strong and cause the dominoes to fall too quickly, resulting in a shorter chain.

4. Can other factors, such as air resistance, affect the energy transfer in dominoes?

Yes, other factors like air resistance can affect the energy transfer in dominoes. Air resistance can slow down the dominoes as they fall, resulting in a longer chain and potentially a small loss of energy. However, if the dominoes are falling in a vacuum or in a space with minimal air resistance, the energy transfer will be much more efficient.

5. Are there any real-life applications of understanding energy transfer in dominoes?

Understanding energy transfer in dominoes can have real-life applications in various fields such as physics, engineering, and even game design. In physics, it can be used to demonstrate the principles of energy conservation and motion. In engineering, it can help in designing efficient and stable structures. And in game design, it can be used to create engaging and interactive chain reaction games.

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