Build a mouse trap race car!
The car works when one end of a string is tied to the arm on the mousetrap and the other end is wound around an axle. By winding the string around the axle the mousetrap's spring is stretched providing stored energy. As the mousetrap is released it pulls the string off of the axle causing the wheels to turn and making the car move.
" The only source of energy allowed is that of the loaded
spring
" A standard mousetrap must be used, with no modifications that affect
the spring
" The dimensions of the entire car, when loaded, may not exceed a width
of 6" and a length of 8"
" The cost of materials included as part of the car must not exceed $10
and must be documented with receipts for any purchased materials. Use recyclables
if possible.
Analyze it!
Your report should include a description of your design and rationale for design choices that were made. Additionally, you must analyze mousetrap in terms of force, energy, energy conversion, work, and motion. Your discussion should include, but is not limited to: mass, predicted distance, velocity, and acceleration, spring potential energy, kinetic energy, and friction.
Compete! The Mouse Trap Race Car competition will be held
during class on Wednesday, November 25.
Extra credit will be given to all participants
who meet the requirements, including a working vehicle and a full analysis.
Winners will be announced in three separate categories:
Fastest maximum speed, longest distance achieved, best report and analysis,
best name, and most aesthetically pleasing.
Good Luck!
(Thanks go to y Dr. Sarah Desotell for original contest idea and most
of the information above.)
There are many rinternet resources with design suggestions. Search on "mouse trap cars, for example. Remember that your must build your own car, NOT use a purchased kit!!