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Harrison Chan

Physics

Ms. Tangen

28 September 2009

Relationships Between Attributes and Acceleration

Introduction and Hypothesis

The purpose of this laboratory experiment was to design and construct a

vehicle powered only by a mousetrap. The vehicle needed to traverse at least three

meters. It could not be propelled by any outside sources. It is hypothesized that

using a two-axle vehicle with four wheels of identical, small size and a wind angle of

150° will produce optimum acceleration and travel.

Variables and Methods

The variables controlled in this experiment were: wheel diameter,

angle/degree of wind, and chassis mass. The variables to be observed were

distance travelled and time travelling. Wheel size and body mass were controlled in

construction. The degree of wind was controlled during the trials.

The mousetrap was constructed of a single, vertical chassis with the

mousetrap attached on top with hot glue. Mini DVDs were attached to all-thread

axles with locknuts and washers. Because of experiments conducted during class, it

was decided to use a full set of Mini DVD wheels and to wind the axle to a

consistent, but approximate 150° angle. The vehicle was designed with minimal

weight in mind to allow for optimum results.

Materials

– Balsa wood
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– (1) Victor Mousetrap

– String

– 16 gauge all-thread

– Locknuts and washers

Procedure

1. Wind string around axle to desired angle/degree.

2. Place front wheels on starting line. Ready timer.

3. Release, time until vehicle stops. Record total distance travelled and time

travelled.

Data and Analysis

Calculations:

Average Time Travelled: 4.58s Solving for final velocity:

Average Distance Travelled: 3.2m Distributing

(First two attempts failed) Getting Vf alone

Final Velocity: 1.4 m/s Solve

Average Velocity: 3.2m/4.6s = .70m/s

Solve for acceleration

Distribute

Get a alone

Acceleration: .30 m/s^2 Solve

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Figure 1

Figure 1: This graph depicts the time travelled, distance travelled, and final

velocity of the vehicle. The first to time trials failed, hence the lack of data.

All units are labeled and color coded.

Concepts

Velocity is the total displacement of an object divided by the time it

was travelling. For example, if an object travelled 20 meters, but its total

displacement was 0 meters, its average velocity is 0m/s. Acceleration is the

rate of increase of velocity. If an object is accelerating at 3 m/s2 from a

velocity of 5 m/s, its velocity will increase 3 meters every second. After 10

seconds, it will have reached a velocity of 35 m/s.

There are numerous forces acting on the mousetrap vehicle as it

accelerates and/or decelerates. The most important forces are applied

force, rolling friction, gravity, and normal force. There is also a minimal

amount of air resistance. Friction results when microscopic hills and valleys

rub/stick together. This creates resistance which is, in essence, friction.

Free-Body Diagram
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Conclusion

The hypothesis posed was proven incorrect. However, the deviation

from expected results lies largely with the poor construction of the vehicle.

We failed to achieve a speed surpassing, or even meeting the “class”

mousetrap cars. Hasty construction was the largest factor that caused

error. Axles were out of alignment, strings were loose, and wheels were

falling off. Additional sources of error could have resulted from a faulty

timer or improper measuring of distance. Because of the poor construction

of the vehicle, it is hard to draw any accurate conclusions besides the fact

that good construction is required for a good vehicle. Of course, this is

important in most anything. Better quality goods will work better, last

longer, and be more effective.