Building a car without a mousetrap i'm desperate

AI Thread Summary
To build a car without a mousetrap, consider using a lightweight material like styrofoam and attaching a fan for propulsion. The idea of using a fan is seen as innovative, though some participants express concern that it may not align with the project's goal of creating a physics-based contraption. Suggestions include focusing on mechanisms that utilize basic physics principles, such as rubber bands or gravity. The challenge lies in balancing creativity with the project's requirements for complexity. Ultimately, participants emphasize the importance of experimenting with different propulsion methods to achieve the desired outcome.
kailey
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
I am supposed to make a car similar to that of a mousetrap car, except without using a mousetrap. I have basic materials and I am completley dumfounded when it comes to making the car "go."

please help me! i am so desperate!

i originally thought that using a car to make the car go would be a good idea but i have no idea how to rig that up.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
a fan?
 
that's actually a really good idea. i hadn't thought of that. i just can't figure out how to rig that up.
 
use styrofoam (or something equally light), stick a fan on the back. Add wheels. Voila.
 
idk i think that would be considered "cheating." it's supposed to be some complicated physics contraption.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'

Thread 'Calculation of Tensile Forces in Piston-Type Water-Lifting Devices at Elevated Locations'

Figure 1 Overall Structure Diagram Figure 2: Top view of the piston when it is cylindrical A circular opening is created at a height of 5 meters above the water surface. Inside this opening is a sleeve-type piston with a cross-sectional area of 1 square meter. The piston is pulled to the right at a constant speed. The pulling force is（Figure 2）： F = ρshg = 1000 × 1 × 5 × 10 = 50,000 N. Figure 3: Modifying the structure to incorporate a fixed internal piston When I modify the piston...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

How can we improve the performance of our mousetrap racecar?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Why won't my mousetrap car move when the trap is set off?
Replies
12
Views
7K
Designing a Mousetrap Car for Optimal Distance: A Physics Project
Replies
2
Views
6K
What are some unique propulsion systems for a pinewood derby car project?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Calculating Separation of Cars in a Convoy Moving at Max Speed
Replies
4
Views
3K
Mousetrap race car is not working
Replies
16
Views
8K
Building a Mousetrap Car for High School Physics Class
Replies
3
Views
2K
Maximize Mousetrap Car Performance for Physics Project
Replies
3
Views
4K
Boy Scout Project: Build a Car 20m with Mousetraps & Beans
Replies
3
Views
2K
Building a Self-Contained Egg Tower Device: Grade 12 Physics ISU Project
Replies
12
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top