Build a Solar Powered Car: Ideas Needed!

[Olivia]

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!

 

[sapphic_yellow]

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?

 

[Olivia]

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!

 

[sapphic_yellow]

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.).

 

[Olivia]

No, we aren't provided with any gears, but i will do some reasearch to see what would work best, thankyou for your help!