Mission Possible C

[CarmenKittenRex]

So regarding rule 4b, am I correct in thinking that the only way to get energy transfer points is through a change in the energy form? I cannot earn points if the energy form stays the same?

[Kordo]

For Chalker. Can you tell me if the program for grading mission will be available on the national page soon. Invitationals are beginning and it would be great to be able to use for scoring. I have also found that looking at the program answers many of the questions that I read and receive from participants. Thank you in advance for your response, your participation in this thread is appreciated.

[nadroj]

Is it ok to modify the one pint sorting containers...ei hole in the bottom?

[olympiaddict]

First let me say that I understand a large number of people and steps are involved in clarifications and FAQ's, and I understand that a lot goes into making and clarifying the rules, and I very much appreciate that.
Nevertheless, I and my partner (and I would expect other teams as well) are having trouble making decisions about building because we are still unsure about the questions we've all been discussing here since the rules came out- more specifically
1) Can we modify the 1pint containers in the device / are they allowed to contain other things than the sorting items at the end of the run?
2) clearing up the question of what a "transfer" is- (the whole thing about hitting a switch to connect a circuit, is it mechanical -> electric?) and whether it demands a conversion between the energy forms or not
3) Commercial batteries, rocket igniters, candles- do they count as energy transfers (as per the end of rule 3.e)? And are homemade batteries allowed as per rule 3.m?
I know right now is a busy time for everyone, and you are humans with lives too, but I think we would all really really appreciate further FAQ's being posted soon to clear up some of these common points of discussion, since invitationals are fast approaching, and the other competitions are not far behind

I don't mean to give anyone a hard time, just thought I should put my thoughts out there. Again, thank you for all the work you do to make SciO so amazing

[CarmenKittenRex]

First let me say that I understand a large number of people and steps are involved in clarifications and FAQ's, and I understand that a lot goes into making and clarifying the rules, and I very much appreciate that.
Nevertheless, I and my partner (and I would expect other teams as well) are having trouble making decisions about building because we are still unsure about the questions we've all been discussing here since the rules came out- more specifically
1) Can we modify the 1pint containers in the device / are they allowed to contain other things than the sorting items at the end of the run?
2) clearing up the question of what a "transfer" is- (the whole thing about hitting a switch to connect a circuit, is it mechanical -> electric?) and whether it demands a conversion between the energy forms or not
3) Commercial batteries, rocket igniters, candles- do they count as energy transfers (as per the end of rule 3.e)? And are homemade batteries allowed as per rule 3.m?
I know right now is a busy time for everyone, and you are humans with lives too, but I think we would all really really appreciate further FAQ's being posted soon to clear up some of these common points of discussion, since invitationals are fast approaching, and the other competitions are not far behind

I don't mean to give anyone a hard time, just thought I should put my thoughts out there. Again, thank you for all the work you do to make SciO so amazing

Amen to that! The more information we can get the better my partner and I can build. I think the problem is that this year, the rules were very vegue. For future compe titions, can we say a little more detail/clarifications?

[CarmenKittenRex]

Hey I have a really quick question for everyone, is propane a hazardous liquid?

[CarmenKittenRex]

Can the paperclips be linked together?

[rmp509]

hello I have a question. the definition of a container is, "an object that can be used to hold or transport something". therefore, can a container have a hole or opening in it as long as it is holding one of the objects such as golf tees?

[Epicfail]

Would induction count as an electromagnetic transfer or an electrical transfer?

Thanks.

[mnstrviola]

Gonna try to give my thoughts on these questions. Again, just my opinion:

Hey I have a really quick question for everyone, is propane a hazardous liquid?

I think propane would be a bad idea, especially if you are planning on burning it. You might get away with using a small amount of it, but I'd try to stay away from it...

hello I have a question. the definition of a container is, "an object that can be used to hold or transport something". therefore, can a container have a hole or opening in it as long as it is holding one of the objects such as golf tees?

I wouldn't think that this would be allowed, since it could make judging the volume of the containers ambiguous, depending on how big the holes are and what's around it. Also, the rules say the containers have to be "similar to the original container", which you have to shake before you pour into your device.

Can the paperclips be linked together?

I don't think so, since it calls for the materials to be randomized and although the rules doesn't explicitly say anything against it I think it goes against the problem.

Would induction count as an electromagnetic transfer or an electrical transfer?

It sounds like induction would be [whatever activated/moved the magnet] --> electrical, since electromagnetic spectrum calls for "radio, infrared, and visible light only". Though if that weren't said it should be electromagnetic --> electrical.


A question of my own: the rules say a basic energy form must transfer to a different basic energy form than previously scored. Would mechanical to electrical count as being different than electrical to mechanical for scoring purposes?

EDIT: Another question: has anyone found a consistent way to light a match? I tried quickly moving the match surface from under a match, but it only works like 60% of the time.