Maximize Mousetrap Car Performance for Physics Project

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around building a mousetrap car for a physics project, specifically focusing on maximizing its performance to travel a distance of 25 feet while carrying a closed can of pop. The constraints include using only the mousetrap for power and not manipulating the spring.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss ideas for enhancing speed and distance, with one participant questioning the trade-off between achieving both goals. Others express a preference for maximizing distance due to grading criteria while also considering the potential for extra credit through speed.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts and preferences regarding the project. Some guidance is offered in terms of exploring tips for improvement, but no consensus or specific solutions have been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the project requirements, including the limitation on power sources and modifications to the mousetrap itself.

katie_08
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I need to build a mousetrap car for a physics class and i was wondering if anyone could possibly give me any ideas on how to make the car travel faster and further. The requirements are that it needs to travel 25 ft for an A while carrying a full (closed) can of pop.Also, we can't use anything other than the mousetrap for power and cannot manipulate the spring on the mousetrap. If anyone could help me it would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What are your thoughts on it so far? I can't tell you how to build your car because that would be cheating.
 
how to make the car travel faster and further.
If both cannot be achieved, which is preferable?
 
i would preferably like to know how to maximize the distance because that is what i am being graded on, yet the faster it goes the better the possibility of extra credit. Also,i already know how i am going to build the car i was just wondering if anyone had any tips.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
10K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
9K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
17K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K