Peter Patrick

Mouse Trap Car Analysis

Two types of friction that affect the performance of my vehicle
include static friction and kinetic friction. Static friction is the friction that exists
between the wheels and the surface of the road, and must be overcome in order
for the vehicle to begin moving. Another type of friction that exists with this
vehicle is kinetic friction. Kinetic friction is considered once the vehicle
overcomes the static friction and is actually moving blah blah blah blah.
1.

2.

dap

3.
Factors that had to be considered when thinking about the amount
of wheels to use for the design include stability and steering of the vehicle. The
straighter the vehicle moves, the greater the displacement and faster the vehicle
will move. If the vehicle does not move straight, the path of the vehicle would not
be straight, thus affecting the actual displacement negatively.
4.

gsfsd

5.

Newtons Laws and how they apply to the Mouse Trap Car are as

follows:
a.
Newtons First Law- Every object in a state of
uniform motion or rest tends to remain in that state of motion or rest
unless an external force is applied to it. In other words, this means that
once the mouse trap begins its motion (whether uniform or not), it will not
stop unless an outside, external force acts on it. These outside forces
include friction between the parts or the vehicle and the surface, air
resistance, a malfunction, or any other force. If the vehicle is not moving,
then it will not begin to move until an external force is exerted on it (i.e.
the mouse trap spring and lever) being released.

Newtons Second Law- Force is equal to the

change in momentum (mV) per change in time. For a constant mass, force
equals mass times acceleration. The equation for this force is F=ma,
which is also displayed below. By knowing the mass and acceleration of
the mouse trap vehicle, it is possible to calculate the Force that is exerted
by the vehicle.
b.

Newtons Third Law- For every action, there is an

equal and opposite reaction. In regards to the mouse trap vehicle, there are
c.

a few examples of this. For example, the friction between the wheels and
the ground is considered an action-reaction combination. The force that is
applied to the ground from the wheels (friction) is the action, while the
ground pushing back on the wheels is the re-action force. This is also
apparent with the lever arm and the string that is used to pull the
axel/wheels.
6.
The displacement of the mouse trap vehicle is very dependant on
the length of the lever arm in the pulling force. The longer the lever arm and
string that is used to propel the vehicle, the farther the vehicle will travel, given
the appropriate circumstances. It is important to have the lever arm long enough
to push the vehicle far enough (5 meters minimum), yet not so long that the
force of the spring can not support it. If the lever arm is shorter, it will have a
greater speed in releasing and pulling the axels, however, it might not have the
ability to pull the vehicle to the appropriate distance needed. If the lever arm is
longer, the vehicle will be able to travel farther, but its speed will be greatly
reduced.
7.

The balance of the