If a mousetrap vehicle is struggling to move and/or needs more acceleration then the lever arms can be shortened in order to increase the pulling force. Keep in mind that you will also have to reposition the mouse trap closer to the drive axle or the system will not work as intended.
How do you increase the power of a mousetrap?
Changing and/or attaching a lever arm to the mousetrap is the number one way to control a mousetrap vehicle’s performance. Shorter lever arms have more pulling force and produce greater acceleration. But, if the lever arm is to short the pulling force will be so larger that the drive wheels will spin out at the start.
How do you increase the friction of a mousetrap car?
Larger diameter axles have greater friction when compared to the same axle of a smaller diameter. With a smaller diameter axle the force of friction is applied closer to the center of rotation and applies less torque than a larger diameter axle. Try to select axles that are equal to or less than 3/16 inch in diameter.
What kind of string is best for a mousetrap car?
The string has to be strong enough to handle the pulling force but flexible and thin enough to wind tightly around the drive axle. We recommend using a Kevlar based fishing line because its high strength. You should stay away from nylon fishing line and dental floss, these do not work well with mousetrap racers.
Why is my mousetrap car not going far? – Related Questions
What are the best wheels for a mousetrap car?
CDs. CDs make one of the cheapest and easiest to use tires for a mouse trap car. The type of CD doesn’t matter, and you can even use DVDs if you like. However, you should make sure you don’t want to use the CD anymore.
How does friction affect mousetrap car?
Mousetrap cars start with a limited supply of energy. This energy is used to overcome friction and propel the vehicle. The less friction acting against a moving mousetrap car, the less energy that is consumed to friction and the further that the vehicle will travel.
How do you add traction to a mousetrap car?
Adding Traction to Wheel
Rubber bands can be stretches and placed directly over a wheel or the middle section of a balloon can be cut and then also stretch around a wheel to help increase the traction. The balloon trick should not be used on Doc Fizzix DVD-layers.
How does friction play a role in the conversion of energy from one form to another?
Friction is an everyday force that is created by two surfaces interacting. When these surfaces slide against each other, this interaction increases the thermal energy of the two surfaces (the temperature goes up).
What is the fastest mousetrap car design?
A speedy mousetrap car will have smaller wheels (faster acceleration), a shorter lever arm (increased torque, but smaller travel distance), a larger axle (increased acceleration) and will generally be smaller to decrease air resistance.
How far did the farthest mousetrap car go?
Description: The secret to Doc Fizzix’s world record setting mousetrap distance racer that traveled over 182 meters was it’s unique pulley system.
What happens if the mousetrap is mounted too far from the drive axle?
6. What happens if the mousetrap is mounted too far from the drive axle? You will lose pulling force or energy to friction.
How long should the lever arm be on a mousetrap car?
For maximum speed, position the mousetrap 2 1/4 inches from the drive axle and cut the lever arm to a length of 4 1/4 inches. The lever arm can be cut using a dremel tool or by using a fine tooth hobby saw. The lever arm should always be “just” long enough to reach the drive axle or performance will be compromised.
How do you make a mousetrap car go faster and further?
If you haven’t realized it yet, increasing the length of the lever arm attached to the mousetrap, increases the total mechanical advantage of the car. Therefore, to increase your car’s speed, you can reduce the length of the lever arm attached to the mousetrap.
Where should I place the mousetrap for the best performance?
For optimal performance the mouse trap should be positioned on the chassis so that the tip of the lever arm falls directly above the drive axle when the mouse trap is in the fully wound position (as pictured bellow). If the mouse trap is not aligned properly with the drive axle energy will be wasted off the start.
How do you calculate how far your mousetrap car will go?
The work done on the mousetrap arm is found using the formula W = F d, where F is the force (in Newtons) applied to the mousetrap car spring arm and d is the distance (in m) through which the force is applied.
Is overall weight important in mousetrap cars?
Reduce the most friction you can because the more friction the more energy is lost in propelling the car. Mass should also be taken into account, the more the car weighs the more energy from the mousetrap spring will be used so it’ll be best to make the car light weight.
What are the best materials to make a mousetrap car?
A mousetrap car can be made from cardboard or balsa wood with CD’s for wheels and axles of wood or brass tubing. Power to drive the wheels is provided by a mousetrap to which a wand and string is attached to the snap arm.
How does friction affect a car?
Friction may slow the car down as it moves along the road, but it also is the force that enables the car to move forward at all. It is the friction force that keeps the tires from sliding on the road. By the same token, it is friction that makes the car come to a stop when the brakes are applied.
Does more friction mean more speed?
Friction decreases the speed of an object. That is because it acts as a resistive force on the object.
On which surface does a car run faster Why?
Results: The car will move the fastest on the smooth tile, and much slower on the sandpaper and gravel surfaces.