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How to Drop a Ball Into a Cup Machine

If you want more of a challenge when dropping balls into a cup machine then try creating a ramp. With a few around-the-house items and some experimenting, you can build an adjustable ramp to add some excitement to your basic ball-dropping habits using the principles of force and gravity. Whether you're eager to drop a ball, or put some basic scientific concepts to use, creating a ramp for your cup machine is a fun and educational experience.

Things You'll Need

Three 1-inch thick books
One ruler
One table
Tape

Instructions

- 1
  Stack your three, one-inch books 11 inches from the edge of the table. Measure from the edge of the books with a ruler.
- 2
  Place your ruler in the 11-inch gap between the edge of the table and the highest edge of the book stack. The ruler should be descending towards the edge of the table, like a ramp.
- 3
  Secure the ruler ramp at both ends with tape.
- 4
  Place your cup machine on the floor next to the table. Make sure the end of your ruler ramp faces the cup machine.
- 5
  Place your ball on the ruler's edge that's taped to the top of the book stack and release. The force of your release and the pull of gravity will roll the ball down the ruler, off the table, and into the cup machine.

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