Dominoes

What is the primary question or hypothesis the Mythbusters team is testing in this video?

• How heavy can dominoes be?

• Can a chain reaction of dominoes generate enough force to crush a car?

• Are steel dominoes better than wooden ones?

• How fast can dominoes fall?

Designing the sequence of progressively larger dominoes, including the heavy steel ones, represents which part of the scientific method?

• Forming a conclusion

• Background research

• Experiment design and setup

• Data collection

Why did the team need to test the setup and ensure the dominoes were properly aligned and spaced?

• To make sure the video looked good.

• To control variables and ensure the chain reaction could proceed as planned.

• To see how long the setup would take.

• To practice using the forklifts.

The successful initiation and progression of the domino chain reaction is an example of:

• Stating the hypothesis

• Analyzing the results

• Conducting the experiment and gathering data/observations

• Modifying the experiment

What is the independent variable in this experiment (the factor the Mythbusters are manipulating)?

• The size and weight of the dominoes in the sequence.

• The type of car being crushed.

• The speed at which the dominoes fall.

• The location of the experiment.

What is the primary dependent variable (the outcome being measured)?

• The number of dominoes used.

• The time it takes for the reaction to complete.

• Whether the final domino successfully crushes the car.

• The noise level of the falling dominoes.

The observation that the final, 2,081-pound domino successfully crushed the car is a key piece of:

• The initial hypothesis

• The experimental procedure

• The results/data

• The control group

Declaring the myth 'plausible' at the end serves as the experiment's:

• Hypothesis

• Procedure

• Observation

• Conclusion

If the chain reaction had failed (e.g., one domino didn't knock over the next), what step of the scientific method would the team likely revisit?

• Stating the conclusion

• Analyzing the results and potentially redesigning the experiment or setup

• Forming the initial hypothesis

• Publishing the results

The use of forklifts and a team to place the large dominoes highlights what practical aspect of scientific experimentation?

• Experiments always require heavy machinery.

• Safety precautions are unnecessary.

• Executing an experimental design can require specific tools and resources.

• Experiments should always be done outdoors.