Difference between revisions of "Build a Mousetrap Car"
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| − | + | A mousetrap car makes for a great science project, physics classroom experiment, or a fun weekend activity. Mousetrap cars are frequently used to help students learn about mechanical advantage, distance, and gravity, with many teachers turning the experiment into a long distance challenge.The stored potential energy in the spring of the mousetrap's snapper arm transforms into the kinetic energy that propels a car that you will make. But to create your own rodent roadster, you'll need the right materials, an understanding of a few physical principles, and a little effort. | |
| − | [[Category:Model Making]] | + | [[Category: Model Making]] |
| − | [[Category:Science for Kids]] | + | [[Category: Science for Kids]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#Release your car and watch it go. Move your hands clear of your mousetrap car and let go of the string. The kinetic energy of the mousetrap spring will transfer through your string to your read axle, causing your mousetrap car to travel forward a few feet, depending on construction and the length of the string.<ref name="rf17384">http://mesa.eng.uci.edu/Resources/Students/Mousetrap_Car_General.pdf</ref> | #Release your car and watch it go. Move your hands clear of your mousetrap car and let go of the string. The kinetic energy of the mousetrap spring will transfer through your string to your read axle, causing your mousetrap car to travel forward a few feet, depending on construction and the length of the string.<ref name="rf17384">http://mesa.eng.uci.edu/Resources/Students/Mousetrap_Car_General.pdf</ref> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
