PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project was to create a vehicle using an alternative energy source (ex: a rat trap, rubber bands, a pulley system). The car had to carry the mass of 100 pennies (250 grams or 8.81 lbs.) to a distance of 5 meters and stop there. The vehicle had to be cost-efficient and energy-efficient. We had to calculate the velocity at every meter and present our car to the class.
My group decided that our car would use energy from a rubber band. We began by creating a blueprint of what we wanted the car to look like and gathered materials. Over time, we found that our car would differ from our blueprint, and had to adjust so that the vehicle would be mobile. Our final blueprint was similar to the initial, although we had to change our materials, seeing that the car would not be able to move otherwise. We had to scrap our first few ideas and then decide on a new engine.
The project was to create a vehicle using an alternative energy source (ex: a rat trap, rubber bands, a pulley system). The car had to carry the mass of 100 pennies (250 grams or 8.81 lbs.) to a distance of 5 meters and stop there. The vehicle had to be cost-efficient and energy-efficient. We had to calculate the velocity at every meter and present our car to the class.
My group decided that our car would use energy from a rubber band. We began by creating a blueprint of what we wanted the car to look like and gathered materials. Over time, we found that our car would differ from our blueprint, and had to adjust so that the vehicle would be mobile. Our final blueprint was similar to the initial, although we had to change our materials, seeing that the car would not be able to move otherwise. We had to scrap our first few ideas and then decide on a new engine.
We used a bottle for the body of the car and cut out wooden wheels, attached to wooden axels. We spray-painted the overall product for presentation purposes, and wrapped rubber bands around the wheels for traction. Zip-ties were used to keep the car's body from moving around the axels, and we used wood and glue to keep everything connected. We cut a hole in the body so that the weights would be able to be stored within the vehicle. We also added an extra piece of wood at the end so that the rubber band would extend further.
CONTENT
Spring Constant= K= f/d
Spring Potential Energy= 1/2kx^2
CONTENT
Spring Constant= K= f/d
Spring Potential Energy= 1/2kx^2
REFLECTION
We spent too long deciding on what we would use as an engine and didn't leave enough time for our presentation. We did not have our graphs/ data ready in time or practice presenting. We now know to manage time better in future projects. Our group did not have issues collaborating, but admittedly lacked motivation at times. Designing the car was enjoyable, although we should have kept our priorities in check so that we wouldn't have to use extra time at the end.
We spent too long deciding on what we would use as an engine and didn't leave enough time for our presentation. We did not have our graphs/ data ready in time or practice presenting. We now know to manage time better in future projects. Our group did not have issues collaborating, but admittedly lacked motivation at times. Designing the car was enjoyable, although we should have kept our priorities in check so that we wouldn't have to use extra time at the end.