Potential Energy in to Kinetic Experiment

[Larrytsai]

Hi, I just need a little help brainstorming some ideas for my upcoming experiment on stored potential energy converted to kinetic energy.

Basically, you build a car and some way it has to move to a certain distance.

The rule is, the car has to move exactly 2m to a dot and we're not allowed to have an external force on the car.

My ideas so far: balloon on the back of my car, or a mousetrap and some how spin the wheel


Any help here will be welcome and also if you guys could... please add some procedure of a way to accurately find out how to get to 2m thnx a bunch

 

[Bill Foster]

A spring. When you roll the car backwards, the spring winds up. When you let go of it, it unwinds and propels the car forward.

 

[ogb p]

One idea for your experiment could be to use a rubber band as the source of potential energy and see how much it can stretch and release to move the car exactly 2m. You could also try using a spring instead of a rubber band and compare the results.

To accurately measure the 2m distance, you could use a measuring tape or ruler and mark the distance on the ground. Make sure to also consider the starting point of the car and any potential obstacles in its path.

Another idea could be to use a weight, such as a small bag of sand or a book, as the potential energy source. You could attach it to the car and see how much force is needed to pull it to the 2m mark. This could also be a good opportunity to explore the concept of friction and how it affects the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy.

In terms of the procedure, you could start by setting up your experiment area and marking the 2m distance. Then, attach your chosen potential energy source to the car and make sure it is securely in place. Release the potential energy and measure how far the car moves. Repeat the experiment multiple times to ensure accuracy and record your results. You could also vary the weight or strength of the potential energy source to see how it affects the distance the car moves.

Overall, the key to a successful experiment is to carefully plan and control all variables, accurately measure your results, and make sure to repeat the experiment multiple times to ensure reliability. Good luck with your experiment!