Build a Solar Powered Car: Ideas Needed!

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around building a solar powered car, with two potential objectives: traveling a distance of 10 meters in the least time or climbing a meter on a steep ramp. Participants explore the feasibility of these tasks and the materials available for construction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the choice between two project goals and the materials provided, including solar cells and a motor. Questions arise about the best design strategies and the implications of weight and gear ratios on performance.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants offering suggestions regarding material choices and design considerations. There is an acknowledgment of the need for further research on gear ratios, and participants are actively seeking guidance on how to proceed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the lack of specific guidelines and constraints regarding size, as well as the absence of gears provided for the project. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the best approach to take.

Olivia
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I have to build a solar powered car that will either a) travel a distance of 10 meters in the least time . or b) climb a meter on the stepest ramp possible. I am not sure which one would be easier to accomplish or what materials to use. I am also wondering how exactly i am going to build this thing. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
 
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I'd go with the ten meters in fastest time bit. Have you been provided materials by your instructor, and do you have specific guidlines you have to abide by?
 
well we are provided with 8 2.5cm x 7.5cm solar cells and a motor, but we are free to use any materials we like and the car does not have any size limitations, there are so many options so i just don't quite know what would work best!
 
I'll ask around about standard gear ratios, but your best option on the car would be to string the solar panels in a line taking up the least area possible on a board of the thinnest balsa wood you can find. Reducing the total mass will increase your speed.

Are you provided gears with which to operate the wheels? Do a little research on what type of gear ratio would be best (make the wheels go fastest, etc.).
 
No, we aren't provided with any gears, but i will do some reasearch to see what would work best, thankyou for your help!
 

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