Distance traveled by a rubber band powered car

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance traveled by a rubber band powered car using the principles of kinetic and potential energy. The formula F*d=(k*x^2)/2 is identified as a method to solve for distance, but it is clarified that this applies only when the rubber band is flicked, not when it powers the car. Key challenges include the non-Hookean behavior of rubber bands and energy loss due to friction. An alternative estimation method involves calculating the distance based on the number of wheel revolutions multiplied by the wheel's circumference, assuming no slippage occurs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic and potential energy principles
  • Familiarity with Hooke's Law and non-Hookean materials
  • Basic knowledge of friction and its effects on motion
  • Ability to calculate wheel circumference and revolutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research non-Hookean material properties and their implications in mechanics
  • Explore advanced friction models and their impact on moving vehicles
  • Learn about energy conservation in mechanical systems
  • Investigate experimental methods for measuring distance in rubber band powered vehicles
USEFUL FOR

Students, hobbyists, and educators interested in physics, particularly in mechanics and energy transfer, as well as anyone designing rubber band powered vehicles.

Joellll
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okay guys I've been looking for ages and i just can't find anything that will help me with finding a distance that will be travel by a rubber band powered car. I've been playing around with kinetic energy= potential energy but i can't seem to get anywhere. Any help will be greatly appreciated

I found that F*d=(k*x^2)/2 so i can solve for a distance there but would that only give me the distance if i flicked the rubber band not if that band was powering the car.
 
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The problem is that a rubber band is not hookian -- it does not exert force linearly based on the distance it's stretched. Another problem is that, assuming the car goes along a horizontal, all of the energy of the rubber band goes to kinetic, and everything ends up as friction.

I suppose you could cheat a little, and say that the number of revolutions you wound it up multiplied by the circumference of the wheel would be the distance it goes. As long as the wheels don't slip and the car stops immediately after the rubber band is completely unstretched, this would be a decent estimate.
 

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