Ballin
Fannie Ngo
Nicholas Compton

“Ballin”

This is our rendition of the classic Pachinko machine. This project demonstrates how chaos theory and probability are often related.

The probability that the ball will fall into a certain slot based on the trajectory with which the ball is hit. The slightest change in trajectory can cause the probability to change, based on where the ball hits. The overall chance that the ball will fall into a certain slot depends on how the ball hits the first peg. In knowing this, it is possible to calculate the probability that a ball will follow a given path depending on where it drops, into a certain slot.

Since the probability is 1:2 that a ball will fall to the left, the probability is 1:2 that it will arrive at the peg to the left of the one it fell onto. At this peg, the probability is again 1:2 that it will fall to the left, making the probability 1:2 x 1:2 = 1:4 that it will arrive at the bumper below and to its left.

Using this logic, you can calculate the probability that a ball will follow any given path. The pegs on the project simulate Pascals triangle, making it easier to determine the probability.