Constructing a Vehicle Powered by a Rubber Band:

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around constructing a vehicle powered solely by a size-10 rubber band, tasked with transporting a 1 Kg weight over a distance of 10 meters without the weight shifting position during travel. Participants explore the constraints and requirements of the project, noting the challenge of using only the rubber band as a power source.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the feasibility of the project, with some questioning the initial constraints and others suggesting design elements such as wheels with minimal surface area to enhance movement. There is a focus on ensuring the weight remains stationary while the vehicle operates.

Discussion Status

Some participants have shared successful design ideas, particularly regarding wheel selection, which has led to improved performance in distance traveled. There is an acknowledgment of varying results among peers, with some designs proving more effective than others.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the project, particularly the requirement that the weight must not shift during movement. There is also mention of previous experiences with similar projects, which informs current suggestions.

atticus_grey
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A Rubber Band??

OK...i need your help people... i have to construct a vehical that can transport a 1 Kg weight over 10 meters using any materials i please...here's the catch: Its only source of power can be a size-10 rubber band! It can have no other source of power and it cannot be launched, and all pieces have to move with the vehical. One more thing: the weight cannot move. Please, anyone...HELP ME! ANY IDEAS?!?
 
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Ok you want something that can move a weight a certain distance but you are not allowed to move that weight. The problem seems to contradict itself.
 
Im sorry, i mistated myself: The weight cannot shift position on the vehicle- it must remain still on the vehicle while it travels.
For example: I cannot construct a vehicle that uses the swinging motion of the weight as a way to keep it in motion. It has to remain still on the vehicle.
 
I did something like this in grade 8 but it was powered by a mouse trap. The best way to get it moving a long distance is to use wheels with very very little area touching the floor. I'm thinking something along the lines of an LP record . Put 2 records as wheels and it'll roll a good 40m if you want it to.

If you don't have any garbage records, you could use some AOL CDs. They give them out for free at Staples :wink:
 
ShawnD: If you don't have any garbage records, you could use some AOL CDs. They give them out for free at Staples.

LOL

I have a couple here I'm using as coasters...
 
thanks for the wheel idea! it worked!
 
Thanks for the wheel idea people...its significantly incresed the distance of my vehical. Other students who tried wheels such as skate board wheels didnt go far at all because of too much surface area. My vehical went about 5 meters when others went about 1...if that. They had poor designs with large wheels. The farthest distance was 7.12 meters so that set the standard, therefore...im getting a good grade hahahaha
 

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