Dominos falling in sequence is a classic example of energy transformation, where potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. But have you ever wondered how the tiny tap or light brush of a finger to topple the first domino can be sufficient to topple thousands of dominoes? The answer lies in the concept of gravitational potential energy and conservation of energy.

When dominos are standing upright, they possess gravitational potential energy due to their height from the ground. This energy is directly proportional to the height of the center of mass from a reference point. When we flick the first domino, it tends to fall down, achieving a state of lower potential energy. The same principle applies to each subsequent domino, as its combined center of mass is at a greater height than when every one of them has fallen.

The initial energy invested in arranging the dominos upright by humans against gravity is dissipated due to work done by gravity after the flick. This means that energy is still being conserved, despite the apparent transfer from potential to kinetic energy. The gravitational potential energy of each domino is transferred into the rotational kinetic energy of the next one, as it falls.

The condition for dominos falling is determined by space, height of two adjacent dominos, and angular velocity of the next domino. According to the angular momentum theorem, the rotational kinetic energy of falling dominos has a certain relationship with the system energy transformation., the energy transformation of a row of dominos gradually increasing in height falling in sequence after the first is displaced can be understood through the concepts of gravitational potential energy and conservation of energy. The transfer from potential to kinetic energy occurs through the rotational kinetic energy of each domino as it falls, highlighting the fascinating world of energy transformations.

Reference:

• "The Truth remains the Truth" (Forum discussion)
• "Dominos vs. Conservation of Energy" (Article)
• "The energy transformation of a row of dominos gradually…" (Abstract)

Note: The references provided are based on the original text and may not match exactly with the actual published works or studies.