What is a Mouse-Trap

Car and How does it Work?

A mouse-trap car is a vehicle that is powered by the energy that can be stored in a
wound up mouse-trap spring. The most basic design is as follows: a string is
attached to a mouse-trap’s lever arm and then the string is wound around a drive
axle causing the mouse-trap’s spring to be under tension. Once the mouse-trap’s
arm is released, the tension of the mouse-trap’s arm pulls the string off the drive
axle causing the drive axle and the wheels to rotate, propelling the vehicle. This
most basic design can propel a vehicle several meters for any first-time builder.
But in order to build vehicles that can travel over 100 meters or extreme
speed cars that can travel 5 meters in less than a second, you
must learn about some of the different variables that affect the performance of a
mouse-trap car. For example, how does friction affect the overall distance that a
vehicle can travel? How does the length of the mouse-trap’s lever arm affect the
performance? By reading each section of this book you will learn about many of
1
the different variables that will affect a vehicle’s performance. Also you will
learn how to modify different
variable in order to
build a top
performing
vehicle.

GettingGet
Started
Started!
 Why build a mouse-trap car? Building mouse-trap cars
allows you to experience the process of design and engineering first-hand.
When you build a vehicle, you have to start with an ideas and then turn that
idea into a real-life model that works. Building a mouse-trap car is an
advanced form of problem solving with two main ingredients:

1. You don’t know what the problems are. Many

of the problems in building a mouse-trap car will be discovered and
solved as you go along; each person’s challenges will be different.

2. There is never one right answer!

One last thought before we get started. Throughout the construction of
your car, you will have to deal with tradeoffs. For example, building a car
that accelerates quickly usually means sacrificing fuel efficiency. When
applying any of the ideas and hints in this book to the construction of a
2 mouse-trap car, understand that any extreme exaggeration of just one varible
may have a large negative effect on the performance of your vehicle. It is
best to find a harmonious balance between each varible through
repeated experimentation. Experimentation is essential in order to
achieve maximum performance. Experiment often and early, don’t worry
about making mistakes! Making a mistake is alearning experience. Keep in
mind you will not know many of the problems until you encounter them as
you build your car. Engineering is a process by which ideas are tested and
re-tested in an effort to produce the best working product. A good engineer
knows one way to get something to work and 99 ways it won’t work. Do
not be afraid to try your different ideas; your tested ideas will lead
you to success! Also, by understanding the basic conceptual physics
concepts presented in this book, you will be able to make good decisions
about building the perfect car. Don’t delay, get started!

Getting Started
Almost any materials can be used in the construction of a good mouse-trap
car. It is up to the designer to determine the appropriate application of such
materials. Sizes, lengths, diameters, widths, and kinds of materials are more-
or-less left up to the designer. The human imagination is a wonderful gift,
and our own ingenuity allows us to take ordinary objects
with functions different from what were
intended and turn them into
components of a working
machine. For example, a
compact disc is a good device for
storing information and playing it
back, but it also makes a great wheel.
Good luck!

3
Tools of the Trade
• Dremel Tool
• Hobby Knife
• Files
- Round
- Square
- Knife
• Power Drill
• Drill Bits
• Glue
- Super Glue
- Wood Glue
- Hot Glue
- Rubber Cement
• Coping Saw or
Getting Started Hack Saw
• Pliers
 Lab #1 - Chasing the Mouse

Purpose
To analyze the motion of a mousetrap powered vehicle over 5 meters.

Equipment Needed
Ticker Timer
Ticker Tape
Meter Stick
Stopwatch

Discussion
In this experiment you will collect data from your mousetrap car using a
ticker timer. A ticker timer is a device that makes marks on a ticker tape at
equal intervals of time. A long piece of ticker tape will be attached to the
4 back of your mousetrap vehicle. As your vehicle is in motion the ticker
timer will leave a series of marks on the tape that is attached to your vehicle.
Because the time between each mark is the same, a variety of variables can
be measured and calculated from the position of each mark. I recommend
analyzing the motion of your car over a five meter distance. After your
vehicle has made its run, you will be measuring the distance from the first
mark to each of the following marks. Velocity is the rate at which your
vehicle is covering distance. The greater the rate, the more distance that is
being covered per time. The average velocity is the travel distance divided
by the travel time. The actual velocity at each mark is calculated from the
average velocity by using Formula #2 from the list of formulas. Acceleration
is the rate at which your vehicle is changing velocity. In order to find the
acceleration you will have to first find the change in velocity between each
point using Formula #3. By dividing the change in velocity for each interval,
you will calculate the acceleration between each mark (Formula #4).

Motion
 What it All Means

d = distance
v = velocity Formulas
t = time
a =acceleration

∆d d −d
Formula #1: v= v=
tf t0

∆t ∆t

∆v v −v
tf to
Formula #2: a= a=
∆t ∆t

Using a Stopwatch: Alternative Approach

I suggest timing the vehicle over 5 meters if you plan on 5
using a ticker timer, but if you have a long-distance
car that travels great distances, you should not use
the ticker timer because the vehicle will become
too heavy by pulling of the long ticker tape. You
can collect data with an alternative approach: Mark
out the floor with masking tape every meter or two
meters, depending on the distance that your car will go.
Using a stopwatch that can handle split times, walk along side your
mousetrap car and call out the time at each mark on the floor. A partner
should be recording the times as you relay them using the split-time
function. Calculations are the same, but realize that in this example
the distance was held constant and not the time.
Please take note: It
is assumed that the
experimenter uses
standard S.I. units Motion
for all activities.
 The Set-up

Label one end of the tape

as the front. Thread the
ticker tape through the
timer and attach the front
of the tape to the rear of
the car using a small piece
of tape. Position the tape
such that the tape does not
get tangled with your
vehicle’s operations
during the timing.
Motion
 Ticking Away the Time
Step 1: Determine the distance for which the data will be collected.
Tear off enough ticker tape to cover the distance of the timing.

Step 2: Select or determine the frequency of the ticker timer. The

frequency of the ticker tape determines the time between each mark. If the
frequency is 10Hz, the time between marks is 0.1s. If the frequency is
60Hz, the time between marks is 1/60 s. Record this frequency in your data
table under “time.”

Step 3: Label one end of the tape as the front. Thread the ticker tape
through the timer and attach the front of the tape to the rear of the car using
a small piece of tape. Position the tape such that the tape does not get
tangled with your vehicle’s operations during the
timing. 7
Step 4: Place your vehicle at the start line.
Line up the ticker timer directly behind the
vehicle tape. Straighten the ticker tape
behind the timer so that is passes through
the timer without binding. Turn the
ticker timer on and then release
the vehicle. Remove the
tape from the vehicle
after the run.

Motion
 Step 5: From the front of the ticker
tape, darken each mark and label as
follows: t0, t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, …tn.

Step 6: Design a data table where you

can record the following: total time (t),
distance between marks (∆d), total
distance (d), velocity at mark (vf), change
in speed from previous mark (∆v),
acceleration between marks (a).

Data Table #1

Total Change Change in Total Change in

Acceleration
Time in Time Distance Distance Velocity
8
t1= t0,1= ∆d0,1= d1= vf,1= a0,1=
t2= t1,2= ∆d1,2= d2= vf,2= a1,2=
t3= t2,3= ∆d2,3= d3= vf,3= a2,3=

Step 7: Measure the distance from the first mark (t0) to the second mark
(t1) and record this as (t0,1) distance between marks (∆ d0,1 ). Measure the
distance from the second point to the third mark and record this as t2 distance
between marks (∆ d1,2 ). Measure the distance between each of the following
marks and record as the distance between marks (∆d2,3, ∆d3,4, ∆d4,5 …∆dn).

Step 8: Add the change in distance between Recommendations

d0,1 and record as d1 total distance. Add the Try to set-up a spread sheet on
change in distance between d0,1 and d1,2 and a computer in order to handle
your data more efficiently.

Motion
d1,2 and record as d2 total distance. Add the total distance between d1,2 and
d2,3 and record as d3 total distance. Continue this approach until you have
the total distance from each mark to the first point.

Step 9: From equation #1 find the average change in velocity between

each point or mark on your ticker tape using the following equation:

∆d
v=
∆t
∆d ∆d ∆d
v = 0 ,1
0 ,1
, v =1, 2
1, 2
, v =
2 ,3
2 ,3

∆t 0 ,1
∆t 1, 2
∆t
2 ,3

Record as change in velocity at mark v0,1, v1,2, v2,3, …vn. 9

Step 10: Calculate the acceleration using formula #2 and record as
follows:

∆v v −v
a= , a = 1 0

∆t 01 ,
∆t 0 ,1

v −v v −v
a =
1, 2
2 1
, a = 2 ,3
3 2

∆t 1, 2
∆t 2 ,3

Record as acceleration between marks as

a0,1, a1,2, a2,3, …an.

Motion
 Graphing the results
You will now graph your data in order to learn from your results. In each of
the following graphs attempt to draw a “best fit” line. If data is widely
scattered do not attempt to connect each dot but instead draw the best line
you can that represents the shape of the dots. If you have access to a computer
you can use a spread sheet like Microsoft Exel to plot your data.

1. Graph Total Distance on the vertical axis and Total Time on the horizontal.

2. Graph Velocity Final at each point on the vertical axis and Total Time on
the horizontal.

3. Graph Acceleration on the vertical axis and Total Time on the horizontal.

Analysis
10 1. Identify the time intervals where your vehicle had the maximum positive
and negative acceleration. Where did your vehicle have the most constant
acceleration?

2. What was the vehicle’s maximum speed over the timing distance and at
what point did this occur?

3. How far was your vehicle pulled by the string? From the graph is it
possible to determine when the string was no longer pulling the vehicle?
Explain.

4. Compare your performance to the performance of other vehicles in the

class and discuss how yours relates.

Motion
11
 Lab #2 - The Force is Against You
Purpose
To determine the amount of rolling friction acting against your mousetrap
car and the coefficient of friction.

Materials
Ruler (A caliper works better for smaller measurements.)
Smooth Ramp
Tape Measure

Variables needed from other labs

Total Potential Energy from Lab #5

Discussion
Friction is a force that acts against the motion of all moving objects. Energy
is required to overcome friction and keep an object moving. Mousetrap
12 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. A moving mousetrap car is affected by two type
of friction: airfriction and bearing friction. Airfriction is a large factor only
with cars that are moving fast and is nearly negligible for slow-moving
distance cars; therefore, in this lab you will only take bearing friction into
consideration. Bearing friction is actually caused by two surfaces rubbing
against one another. The amount of friction depends on the materials that
are doing the rubbing and the force pressing them together (Formula #3). In
this lab you will find the combined force of friction from all bearings on
your vehicle. This combined frictional force will be called the rolling friction.
The smaller the coefficient of friction, the more efficient your mousetrap
car and the greater the travel distance will be.

Rolling Friction
 The Set-up
Finding the theoretical rolling friction requires placing your mousetrap car
on a smooth and flat board or ramp. The ramp will be elevated from one
end slowly until your mousetrap car “JUST” begins to roll at constant
velocity. This point or angle is where the force pulling the car down the
ramp is equal to the force of rolling friction acting against the car (Formula
#2). The force pulling the car down the ramp is a combination of two forces:
the force of gravity pulling straight down and the normal force of the ramp
pushing back (Formula #4). As the angle of the ramp is increased, the normal
force decreases (Formula #5). The force of gravity remains unchanged for
all angles. The difference between the two forces causes the force down the
ramp to increase. The greater the angle required to move the car, the more
friction there will be acting against the car’s motion. The angle is directly
proportional to the force of friction or the coefficient of rolling friction.
LOWER ANGLES are more desirable (Formula #7).
13
How it Works:
The force pulling the
vehicle down the ramp
is equal to the force of
friction acting against
the car AS LONG as the
mousetrap car moves
down the ramp at a
constant velocity. In
some cases, once the
vehicle starts to move
the ramp has to be
lowered in order to
maintain constant
velocity.

Rolling Friction
 Formulas

Formula #1: ∑F=0

The sum of all forces must equal “zero” if there is no acceleration.

Formula #2: Force Pulling = Force of Friction

Formula #3: f = µN
rf

Force of friction is equal to the coefficient of friction times the normal force

h
sin θ =
L
Because your measurements are from a slope, you will have to use some trigonometry

14 Formula #4: f = sinθ ⋅ w

rf

The force down an angled ramp is equal to the force of friction as long as
the vehicle rolls down the ramp with a constant velocity.

Formula #5: N = cosθ ⋅ w

The normal force is the force that is perpendicularto the angled ramp.

sinθ ⋅ w
Formula #6: µ= = tanθ
cosθ ⋅ w
Resolving for the coefficient of friction from Formulas #3, #4 and #5

Formula #7: µ = tanθ

The coefficient of friction

Rolling Friction
 Trigonometry
Trigonometry is a fancy type of mathematics that is based on simple
relationships of all right triangles. Ancient mathematicians found that all
right triangles are proportional by ratios of their sides and angles. These
ratios times the angle are known as sine, cosine, and tangent. Knowing one
of the angles other than the right angle-and any one of the sides to the triangle-
will allow you can calculate everything else you would ever need to know
about that triangle’s sides or angles.

15

How it Works
The angle of the ramp in this experiment forms a right triangle. The force due to gravity
and the normal force of the ramp’s surface cause a force directed down the ramp called
“Force Down.” These three forces form a right triangle which has the same angle as
the base of the ramp. Knowing the angle of the base of the ramp and the weight of the
car on the ramp, we can solve for any other force including the force acting down the
ramp and which is equal to the force of friction.

Rolling Friction
 Let The Good Times Roll
Step 1: Start by selecting a long and smooth board or ramp that will not
bend or flex when lifted at one end. Your vehicle must fit on the ramp.

Step 2: Measure the length of the board and record this measurement as
the board length (L).

Step 3: Place your vehicle on the ramp and begin lifting by one end.
Slowly lift until the vehicle “JUST” begins to roll. Measure carefully and
accurately the elevation of the board when the vehicle begins to roll and
record this in the data table as the height (h). Repeat this process 5 to 10
times for more accurate results. (Note: You must subtract the thickness of
the board from the height. Measure both ends of the ramp to correctly
calculate the height.)

16

Data Table #1
Trial Board Raised Angle Coefficient Friction Starting Predicted
# Length Height of Rolling (N) Energy Travel
(m) (m) Friction (J) Distance
1 L= h1= θ1= µ1= f1= PE= d1 =
2 L= h2= θ2= µ2= f2= PE= d2=
3 L= h3 = θ3= µ3= f3= PE= d3=
4 L= h4= θ4= µ4= f4= PE= d4=
AVE h= θ= µ= f= d=

Rolling Friction
Step 4: Calculate the angle for each trial using the following equation:

L
h h
θ = sin −1

L
Step 5: From the derived formula, calculate the coefficient of friction
for each trial. The coefficient of friction is directly proportional to the angle
of the ramp. Smaller angles translate into greater travel distance.

µ = tanθ
Step 6: If this lab is performed correctly, the force of rolling friction
acting against your car is equal to the force pulling the vehicle down the
ramp in the elevated state. Calculate the force of friction by assuming that
the force down the ramp is equal to the force of friction acting against the
motion of your vehicle. Solve for the force down the ramp. MAKE SURE
17
to use the weight of your vehicle in Newtons. If you have the mass in
killograms, you can calculate the weight by multiplying the mass of your
vehicle by 9.8 m/s2 or find the weight by weighing your vehicle on a spring
scale.

f = sinθ ⋅ w
rf

Step 7: Using the starting energy that you calculated in Lab #4 you can
calculate the predicted travel distance by using the following:

Total Potential Energy

Predicted Travel Distance =
Rolling Friction

Rolling Friction
 Lab #3 - The Spinning Wheels
Purpose
To determine the amount of grip or traction your drive wheels have on the
floor.

Materials
spring scale or foce probe
string
tape to lock wheels

Discussion
If your vehicle does not have enough grip on the floor AND you have too
much pulling force your wheels will spin-out! The more “grip” or traction
your wheels have on the floor surface, the greater the acceleration that is
possible for your vehicle. If you are making a speed-trap or a power pulling
18 vehicle you want to test different materials on your wheels to make sure you
have the maximum traction possible; for example, rubber balloons on wheels,
rubber bands on wheels, differnet compounds, etc. Once you have found
the maximum traction, you can adjust the length of your mousetrap’s lever
arm in order to achive the greatest possible pulling force. Shorter lever
arms have greater force for more power or acceleration for your vehicle.
keep in mind that the amount of traction will vary from surface to surface
because not all surfaces have the same grip. Example, your car will have
more grip on concrete than on ice; because of this, you must test your vehicle’s
traction on the actual course where you will be running your contest or
activity. In this activity you will find that actual for of traction and the
coefficient of friction between youur vehicles drive wheels and the floor.
The coefficient of friction tells you how slippery two surfaces are together.
The larger the coefficient of friction, the more grip or traction your vehicle
will have with that surface.

Rolling Friction
 Formulas
Formula #1: ∑F=0
The sum of all forces must equal “zero” if there is no acceleration.

Formula #2: Force Pulling = Force of Traction

Formula #3: f = µN
rf
The force of traction or friction is equal to the coefficient of friction times the
normal force or the force the drive wheels press on the floor.

Step 1: With a piece of tape lock the drive wheel(s) to prevent them
from turning. The non-drive wheels should be aloud to turn freely.

Step 2: Attach a sensitive spring scale or force probe to the front of the
car. It is best to tie a string to the front of that car and then attach the spring
scale to the string.
19
Step 3: Pull the vehicle on the race surface at an even force and
CONSTANT speed keeping the scale or force probe parallel to the road.
Pull the vehicle several time and record the readings each time calculating
an average. The force required to drag your car is eqaul to the force of
traction, calculate the average and record.

Step 4: To find the coeficient of friction between the drive wheels and
the floor you need to attach the spring scale to the drive axle and lift directly
up untill the drive wheels just lift off the table. Record this number as the
force on the drive wheels. Usng the formuls, divide the force of traction by
the force on the drive wheels
f
µ=
mg
N
Rolling Friction
 Lab #4 - As The Wheels Turn

Purpose
In this activity you will find the rotational inertia of your wheels.

Materials
A Small Mass (no larger than 50g)
Stopwatch
String
Meter Stick
Pulley Set-up

Discussion
Rotational inertia is the resistance an object has to
changing its state of rotation. The more rotational
inertia a wheel has, the more torque that will be
required to change its state of rotation. The torque
20 is generated from the mousetrap’s lever arm. More torque
means shorter lever arms which translates into
Just as an object at rest tends to stay
less pulling distance. With distance cars you
at rest and an object in motion tends
want the longest possible pulling distance;
to stay in motion, an object in a state
therefore, you want a long lever arms. In most
of rotation about an axis tends to
cases, whether you are
remain in that state of rotation about
building a speed or distance
the same axis unless an external force
car it is best to have
or torque acts on it.Try an experiment
wheels with as little
to learn about rotational inertia. Try
rotational inertia as
twisting a barbell with the weight
possible. The less
spaced close together and then far
rotational inertia
apart. You will definitely get a good
that a wheel has,
feel for rotational inertia after this
the easier it will be to
experiment.

Rotational Inertia
 The Set-up
accelerate the wheel and get the car moving. Rotational inertia is equal to
the amount of torque acting on a system divided be the angular acceleration
(Formula #1). The angular acceleration is equal to the linear acceleration
divided by the radius of the wheel (Formula #2). The torque is equal to the
applied force times the radius from the point of rotation (Formula #3). Putting
Formula #1, #2 and #3 together you get Formula #4.

In this lab a weight is tied to a string and then wrapped around the axle of
each wheel. The weight is allowed to fall causing the wheel(s) to spin. As
the weight falls it is also timed. Based on the time it takes the weight to
reach the tabletop or floor, you can calculate the rotational resistance of
your wheel(s). The weight, as it falls, is being pulled downwards by gravity
and upwards by the resistance of the wheel(s). The greater the rotational
resistance or inertia, the longer it will take the weight to fall. The acceleration
of the falling weight is found by Formula #5. Combine Formula #4 and #5
to get one formula that will be used for this lab to calculate the rotational 21
inertia, based on the time of fall for the hanging mass. The total rotational
inertia is the combination of all wheels added together.
In this lab a weight is tied
to a string and then
wound around an axle.
Based on the time it takes
the weight to reach the
tabletop or floor, you can
calculate the rotational
resistance of your
wheel(s). The greater the
rotational resistance or
inertia, the longer it will
take the weight to fall.

Rotational Inertia
 What it All Means
I =Rotational Inertia Formulas
τ =Torque
α = Angular Acceleration
a = Linear Acceleration
F = Applied Force Formula #1: τ = Fr
r = Lever Length
h = Fall Height of Mass τ
v0 = Starting Falling Veloc- Formula #2: I=
ity (zero in this lab) α
t = Time of Fall for Mass
a = Linear Acceleration a
Formula #3: α=
r
Angular acceleration based on linear acceleration

Fr
I=
Formula #4: a
r
22 Formulas 1 - 3 combined

2
Fr
Formula #5: I=
a
Rotational inertia from Formula #3 based on linear acceleration

1 2
Formula #6: h = v t + at
o
2
The height of fall based on an accelerating object through time

2h
Formula #7: a= 2
t

Rotational Inertia
 Solving for acceleration
2 2
Fr t
Formula #8: I=
2h
Rotational inertia of a wheel based on a falling mass

Another Way to Get The Job Done

If your wheel(s) is (are) not glued to the axle, then you may have to design
a test device to hold and measure the rotational inertia. Design a pulley
apparatus that can hold each of your wheels and that will allow them to spin
freely. The smaller the pulley or axle that the string is wrapped around, the
smaller the acceleration of the falling mass, which makes timing more
accurate.
23

How it Works:
In this set-up an axle is
mounted in a bearing.
The bearing is held to a
ringstand by a clamp. A
tapered cone is attached
to one end of the axle.
The wheel is placed onto
the tapered cone and
then held in place with a
small amount of clay.
The string is wrapped
around the opposite side
Rotational Inertia of the axle.
 Let’s Get Spinning
IMPORTANT: Steps 1-5 are only for those who test their wheels on a
pulley sytem. If you art measuring your wheels’ rotational inertia on your
vehicle’s axles, then skip to Step 6.

Finding the rotational inertia of the pulley set-up

Step 1: Because the pulley set-up has rotational inertia of its own you
will have to calculate its rotational inertia in order to subtract it from that of
your wheel. Make the following data table:
Data Table #1
Fall Time Radius Weight Rotational
Distance of of of Inertia
of Mass Fall Pulley Falling Mass of Pulley

d1= t1= rp= W= Ipulley 1=

d2= t2= rp= W= Ipulley 2=
24 d3=
d4 =
t 3=
t4=
rp=
rp=
W=
W=
Ipulley 3=
Ipulley 4=
AVE t= W= Ipulley =

Step 2: Calculate the weight of your hanging mass by dividing grams by

1000 and then multiping by 9.8. This will give you weight in Newtons.
Record in the data table as W. It is best to use a smaller mass no larger than
50g. I suggest 20g. Attach the weight to the end of a string that is long
enough to reach from the pulley to the floor or table top, depending on the
fall distance that you will use for your measurement. Attach the other end
of the string to the axle or pulley set-up and wind the string up around your setup.

Step 3: Measure the fall distance from the bottom of the hanging weight
to the surface below and record this measurement as fall distance of mass
(d). Measure the radius of the axle or pulley where the string is wound and
record as the pulley radius (r).

Rotational Inertia
Step 4: Allow the weight to fall while timing with a stopwatch and
record the time in the data table (t). Repeat several times and record in the
Data Table #1. Find an average. Make sure that you drop the weight from
the same point each time that you repeat the experiment.

Step 5: Using the following formula, calculate the rotational inertia of

your pulley.
2 2
Fr t
I=
2h
(Weight of Hanging Mass) ∗ (Radius of Pully)2 ∗ (Time of Fall)2
I Rotational Inertia of pulley =
2 ∗ (Distance that mass falls)

Finding the rotational inertia of your wheels

Step 6: Depending on whether you will measure each wheel by itself or
if you will measure the rotational inertia of an axle system, make a copy of
25
Data Table #2 for each wheel or axle sysetm for your vehicle. If you had to
perform steps 1-5 then record the average rotational inertia from your pulley
set-up in Data Table #2.
Data Table #2 (Front Axle System or Wheel #1)
Fall Time Radius Weight Rotational Rotational
Distance of of of Inertia Inertia
of Mass Fall Pulley Falling Mass of Pulley of Wheel

d1= t1= rp= W= Ipulley = Iwheel 1=

d2= t2= rp= W= Ipulley = Iwheel 2=
d3= t3= rp= W= Ipulley = Iwheel 3=
d4= t4= rp= W= Ipulley = Iwheel 4=
AVE t= Iwheel =

Rotational Inertia
 Step 7: Attach one wheel at a time to the pulley apparatus if you are
measuring each wheel by itself. If you are measuring a complete axle system,
then perform the following:

Attach one end of a string to the axle and the other end of a weight. The
string should be long enough to reach the surface below. Calculate the weight
of your hanging mass by dividing grams by 1000 and then multiping by 9.8.
This will give you weight in Newtons. Record in the data table as W. It is
best to use a smaller mass no larger than 50g. I suggest 20g. Wind the string
around the axle and measure the starting possition of the mass so that in all
trials the mass falls from the same height.

26

Step 8: Allow the weight to fall while timing with a stopwatch and
record the time in the data table (t). Repeat several times and record in the
Data Table #2. Find an average. Make sure that you drop the weight from
the same point each time that you repeat the experiment.

Rotational Inertia
Step 9: Using the following formula, calculate the rotational inertia of
your wheel. Look carefully at the formula. It is the same as in Step 5 except
this time you have to remove the rotational inertial of the pulley. Do not
forget to subtract the resistance inertia of the pulley.! If you did not use a
pulley set-up ignore the rotatioanl inertia of the pulley and plug in all varibles
except for the rotational inertia of the pulley.

Rotational Inertia of a Wheel or an Axle System

(Weight of Hanging Mass) ∗ (Radius of Pully)2 ∗ (Time of Fall)2

I Rotational Inertia of Wheel = − I Pulley
2 ∗ (Distance that mass falls)

Step 10: Repeat for each wheel or axle system of your car and record
your results in Data Table #3 as follows: “Front Wheel #1,” “Rear Wheel
#2,” or “Front Axle system,” “Rear Axle system” . 27
Data Table #3
Front Front Rear Rear
Wheel #1 Wheel #2 Wheel #1 Wheel #2
0r 0r
Front Axle Rear Axle
System System

Rotational Inertia If1= If2= Ir1= Ir2=

Radius of Wheel rf1= rf2= rr1= rr2=

Step 11: Add the rotational inertia for all components together in
order to get the total rotational inertia.

Total Rotational Inertia = _______ kg • m2

Rotational Inertia
 Lab #5 - All Wound Up
Purpose
To calculate the starting potential energy and to find the spring coefficient.

Equipment Needed
Spring Scale or a Computer Force Probe
Tension Wheel (recommended but not needed)
String

Discussion
Energy has the ability to do work. Your mousetrap car’s performance will
depend directly on the strength of your mousetrap’s spring. The stored energy
of your spring in the fully wound-up position is called potential energy. The
amount of stored potential energy is the same as the work that was required
to wind the spring. The force required to wind the spring times the distance
28 the force was applied is equal to the work that was done on the spring
(Formula #1). Because the force required to wind the spring changes and
depends on how much the spring is wound, you will have to find the average
force between a series of points and then calculate the work done between
those marks. The total work (or the stored potential energy) is equal to all
the changes of energy between all the points added together (Formula #2).
In order to measure the winding force you have to use a spring scale attached
to a lever. The lever is lifted and the force is measured every 5 or 10 degrees.
The scale has to be held such that the string attached to the lever arm is
perpendicular. A problem with this method is that as the spring scale is held
in different positions it becomes inaccurate. The spring scale cannot change
from the position at which it was zeroed. For this reason I recommend
using a tension wheel. A tension wheel allows the spring scale to remain in
one position, producing more accurate results and it is easier to use.

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 The Set-up

The distance that the average

force was applied is equal to the angle of the
measurement in radians times the length of the measuring lever arm. If you
are using a tension wheel, then the radius of the wheel is the measuring
lever arm (Formula #3). Formula #4 allows you to convert from degrees to 29
radians.

For a spring that is stretched or compressed longitudinally, Hooke’s Law

applies and says that the force is equal to the spring constant times the
stretching or compressing displacement. But a mousetrap spring does not
stretch longitudinally. A mousetrap spring is a torsion spring and winds up.
For this type of spring a different formula is needed (Formula #5). It is a
torque that must be applied to the spring to wind it and the displacement is
measured in radians (Formula #6). The units associated with the spring
constant become Newtons * Meters/ Radians. For a spring that compresses
or stretches in a linear direction, the total potential energy is one half the
spring constant times the displacement squared (Formula #7). For a torsion
spring the displacement is substituted by the angle in radians (Formula #8).

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 Tools of the Trade: Tension Wheel
A tension wheel is
designed to direct the
pulling force in the same
direction as the spring is
wound. This prevents the
scale from having to be re-
zeroed as its direction of
pull changes. Degree
markings make it easy to
measure force and angle.

30

How it Works:
As the wheel is turned clockwise the
spring on the mousetrap is
compressed. The value of the spring
constant depends on the material the
spring is made from, the diameter
Need A Tool? of the wire, the diameter of the coil,
This tool can be ordered from and the number of coils.
Doc Fizzix at (512) 218-0454
www.docfizzix.com
 What it All Means
W =Work
Formulas F = Force
d = Displacement
k = Linear Spring
Constant
Formula #1: W = F⋅d κ =Torsion Spring
Work formula used with a constant (non-changing) force Constant
x = Spring
πr Displacement
Formula #2: W = ∫ F ( x) d ( x)
0 τ =Torque
Work formula used with a changing force as θ = Angle
with a mousetrap spring PE = Potential
Energy
Formula #3: d = θr
A formula to calculate the linear distance of travel for a wheel

π
Formula #4: degrees × =θ
O
180
A formula used to change degrees into radians 31
Formula #5: F = −kx
Hooke’s Law. Force of a stretched or compressed spring

Formula #6: τ = κθ
From Hooke’s Law. Used to calculate the torque from a torsional spring
1 2
Formula #7: PE = kx
2
Potential energy of a stretched or compressed spring

1
Formula #8: PE = κθ 2

2
Potential energy of a stretched or compressed torsion spring

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 Pulling Your Weight

Step 1: In this lab you can use either a spring scale or a force probe in
order to measure the spring’s tension at different points along its travel.
Start by attaching a string to the end of your mousetrap’s extended lever
arm. The point where you attach the string on the mousetrap’s lever arm
32 must extend pass the edge of the mousetrap’s base so that all measurements
can be taken from 0 to 180 degrees without the mousetrap’s base blocking
the measuring process. The string should be about 20 centimeters in length
or less. Attach the spring scale to the other end of the string. Hold or attach
a protractor to the mousetrap so that the center point of the protractor is in
the middle of the spring and the zero degree point on the protractor is lined
up with the starting point of the relaxed lever arm.

Step 2: Start at “0” degrees and pull up on the lever arm with the spring
scale until the lever arm “just” lifts up from the base of the mousetrap and
record this measurement as the starting force. Continue to pull up on the
spring scale, stopping at every 5 or 10 degrees. Record the tension at each
point in the data table. You must keep the scale perpendicular to the lever
arm at each point you measure. Record the tension and angle in the data
table.

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 Recommendations:
Try to set-up a spread sheet on
a computer in order to handle

Data Tables your data more efficiently.

Data Table #1
Angle Tension Change Total Change in Total
in Radians Radians Displacement Displacement
5 F0= ∆θ0=0 θ0= 0 ∆d0= 0 d0= 0
10 F1= ∆θ1= θ1= ∆d1= d1=
15 F 2= ∆θ2= θ2= ∆d2= d 2=
20 F3= ∆θ3= θ3= ∆d3= d3=
25 F4= ∆θ4= θ4= ∆d4= d4=
180 F36= ∆θ36= θ36= ∆d36= d36=
33
Data Table #2
Change in Total Potential
Spring Constant Torque
Potential Energy Energy
k0= 0 T0= ∆PE0=0 PE0= 0
k1= T1= ∆PE1= PE0-1=
k2= T2= ∆PE2= PE0-2=
k3= T3= ∆PE3= PE0-3=
k4= T4= ∆PE4= PE0-4=
k36= T36= ∆PE36= PE0-36=
Ave Total

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 Step 3: Calculate the change in radians for each angle and record them
in the data table. If each measurement was made at the same increment
(e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20 …) you can use the same change in radians for all angles.
Use the following method to calculate the change in radians:
π
∆θ = (degrees − degrees ) ×
1 1 0 O
180
π
∆θ = (degrees − degrees ) ×
2 2 1 O
180
Step 4: Measure the length of the lever arm from the spring to the point
where the scale was attached to the arm and record this as the radius.
Calculate the change in displacement, also known as the arc length, for each
angle using the following formula. If each measurement was made at the
34 same increment, (e.g. 5, 10, 15, 20 …) you can use the same arc length
(displacement) for all angles.

∆d = ∆θ r
1 1
∆d = ∆θ r
2 2
∆d = ∆θ r
3 3

Step 5: Calculate the total displacement for each angle by adding each
of the previous changes in displacement to the next.

Step 6: Calculate the change in potential energy for each point using the
following method. Multiply the average force between the starting and
ending points with the change in distance. Add each of the change in PE
values together in order to find the total potential energy from the column.
This added value should be the energy your vehicle starts with before it is
released.

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 F +F
∆PE = 0,1
⋅ ∆d 0 1
1
2
F +F
∆PE = 1,2
⋅ ∆d 1 2
2
2
F +F
∆PE = 2,3
⋅ ∆d 2 3
3
2
Step 7: Calculate the spring constant for each change in angle. The
spring on a mousetrap is an example of a torsion spring, a spring that coils
as opposed to one that stretches; use the following equation to calculate the
spring constant: τ = κθ . Torque is equal to the spring constant times the
angle measured in radians. Torque is calculated from the force that is applied
to a lever arm times the length of the lever arm. τ = Frlever arm You will
need to subtract the starting torque in order to find the actual change in
torque for each change in angle. Total each spring constant and find an
35
average.
τ
κ=
θ
( F − F )r
κ =
1
1 0 arm length

θ 0 ,1

( F − F )r
κ =2
2 1 arm length

θ 1, 2

( F − F )r
κ = 3
3 2 arm length

θ 2 ,3

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 Graphing the results
In each of the following graphs attempt to draw the best fit lines. If data is
widely scattered do not attempt to connect each dot but instead draw the
best shape of the dots. If you have access to a computer, you can use a
spread sheet like Microsoft Exel to plot your data.

1. Graph Pulling Force on the vertical axis and the Displacement on the
horizontal axis.

2. Graph Torque on the vertical axis and Angle in Radians on the horizontal.

36

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

Analysis
1. The slope from your graph of “torque vs. angle” represents the spring
constant. Does the slope change or remain constant? Do you have an
ideal spring that follows Hooke’s Law?

2. What does the slope of the line from each of your graphs tell you about
the strength of your spring compared to other students’ graphs?

3. Calculate the area under all parts of the best-fit line from the graph of
“torque vs. angle.” This number represents the potential energy you are
starting with. The larger the number, the more energy you have to do
work. This number should be close to the total potential energy calculated
from your data table. How does the slope compare to the number in the
data table? 37
4. How does your potential energy compare to other students’ potential
energy in your class? Discuss.

Potential Energy, Spring Constant

 Lab #6 - The force Against you, Part II

Purpose
To determine the force of friction against your vehicle.

Equipment Needed
Meter Tape

Variables Needed From Other Labs

Total Potential Energy from Lab #5

Discussion
Mousetrap cars convert their starting energy into work. Work is done to
overcome the frictional forces acting against the vehicle. In most cases the
largest amount of friction is the rolling friction caused by the bearings on
the axles. The total work that your car will do is equal to the starting energy
38 of your vehicle that you calculated in Lab #4. The predicted travel distance
is equal to the starting energy divided by the force of rolling friction. You
should observe (by comparing your results to other students’ results) that
the less rolling friction that there is, the greater the distance a vehicle should
travel.

Formula #8: PE = f d rf

Work is equal to the starting energy.

PE
Formula #9: d=
f rf

The maximum distance depends on the starting energy and the force of
rolling friction

Rolling Friction, Work

Calculate the Friction from the Actual Travel Distance
Step 1: Wind-up and release your vehicle. Measure the total travel
distance. Test your result several times, then calculate the average travel
distance for your vehicle.

Data Table #2
Trial Actual Starting Friction Coefficient
# Travel Energy of Rolling
Distance Friction

1 d1 = PE= f1= µ1=

2 d2= PE= f2= µ2=
3 d3 = PE= f3= µ3=
4 d4= PE= f4= µ4=
AVE d= f= µ=

Step 2: Calculate the rolling friction from the actual travel distance using
the following formula: 39
Work = Force ⋅ Distance
PE
f =
1
1

d
1

Step 3: You are going to calculate the coefficient of friction from the
following formula. Note: For mass, remove the wheels and use ONLY the
mass of the frame. It is the frame that rests on the bearings and presses the
bearings’ surfaces together. Therefore, you must remove the wheels and
“mass” only the frame.
f
µ=
mg

Rolling Friction, Work

 Lab #7 - How Far Can I Go?

Purpose
To determine the pulling distance, the power output, and the mechanical
advantage.

Equipment Needed
Ruler (A caliper makes smaller measurements easier)
Stopwatch
Meter Tape

Variables Needed From Other Labs

Total Potential Energy from Lab #5

Discussion
The pulling distance is the measurement from where the vehicle starts to
where the pulling force on the drive axle ends. In this lab you will calculate
40 how far your mousetrap car should be pulled by the mousetrap’s lever arm.
Once you have predicted the pulling distance you will then measure and
time the actual pulling distance in order to find the power rating. The pulling
distance does not tell you how far your mousetrap car will travel, only how
far it will be pulled by the mousetrap’s lever arm. The distance that your
mousetrap car is pulled is directly proportional to the size of the drive wheels
and the length of string that is wrapped around the drive axle. The travel
distance is inversely proportional to the size of the drive axle. What all this
means is the following: the larger the drive wheel(s), the greater the pulling
distance. The more string that can be pulled off the drive axle, the greater
the pulling distance. The larger the drive axle, the shorter the pulling distance.
In order to get more string wound around the drive axle, you can do one of
the following: use a smaller diameter drive axle or extend the length of the
mousetrap’s lever arm and then place the trap further from the drive axle.

Power Output, Gear Ratio, Mechanical Advantage

The pulling distance is calculated from the number of turns that your wheel
makes times the circumference of your wheel. The number of turns that
your wheel will make depends on the length of string wound around the
pulling axle divided by the circumference of the drive axle. By putting the
first two formulas together you can predict the pulling distance.

41

Power Output
Power is the rate at which work is being done. Your mousetrap car will
convert stored potential energy from the wound-up spring into work to
overcome friction. The rate at which your mousetrap car converts this stored
energy into work is your vehicles power rating. You will calculate the power
rating by dividing the starting energy by the time through the pulling distance
(Formula #4). As a general rule of thumb, higher power ratings mean less
efficiency and less overall travel distance. A good mousetrap car that is
designed for distance should have a low power rating.

Power Output, Gear Ratio, Mechanical Advantage

 Formulas

Pulling Distance = Number of Turns × 2 π r wheel

Length of String
Number of Turns =
2 πr axle

Length of String × r
Pulling Distance = wheel

r axle

PE
P =
1
total

∆t
42
1
Power is the rate at which energy is being used

How it Works:
A caliper is used to
measure the thickness of
the drive axle in order to
calculate the diameter.
For a more accurate
calculation of the diameter
of the drive axle two
measurements will be
taken, without string and
with string.

Power Output, Gear Ratio, Mechanical Advantage

 Getting The Measurements

Step 1: Use a caliper or micrometer to measure and calculate the average

diameter of the drive axle. Calculate the average diameter of the drive axle
by first measuring the drive axle without string on it and then measuring it
with string wound-up as it will normally be before a race. It is important
that the string be wound evenly and not “balled” or “clumped.” Add the
two measurements together and then divide by 2. This will give you an
average diameter for your calculations. Calculate the average radius from
the average diameter.

Ave Drive Axle Diameter = _______ meters

Ave Drive Axle Radius = _______ meters

Step 2: Use a caliper or a ruler to measure the diameter of the drive

43
wheel(s) and record the diameters as well as the radii.

Drive Wheel(s) Diameter = _______ meters

Drive Wheel(s) Radius = _______ meters

Step 3: Measure only the length of string that is normally pulled from
the drive axle. Important: If there is more string attached to the lever arm
than is needed, you may have to wind the string around the drive axle and
then mark the string where it starts and ends with respect to the lever arm’s
travel range.

String Length = _______ meters

Power Output, Gear Ratio, Mechanical Advantage

 Step 4: Calculate the pulling distance
using the following formula:

Length of String × r
Pulling Distance = wheel

r axle

Step 5: Calculate the mechanical advantage from the following formula

F Force string applies to drive axle r d Distance vehicle is pulled by lever arm
= radius of wheel
= = IMA
44 F Force of wheel to road
rradius of drive axle
d String on axle

Part II Determine Power Output

Step 6: Time your vehicle over the pulling distance. Perform 3 to 5
trials. Record your data in the data table.

Data Table #1
Starting
Pulling Total Travel Time Over Power
Energy from
Distance Distance Pulling Distance Output
Lab #2
d1= Total d1= t1= PE = P1=
d2= Total d2= t2= PE = P2=
d3 = Total d3= t3= PE = P3=
Ave d= Ave t= Ave P=

Power Output, Gear Ratio, Mechanical Advantage

Step 7: Calculate the power by dividing the total starting energy from
Lab #2 by the time over the pulling distance. Compare your value to other
vehicles’ power.
PE PE
P =
1
total
P =
2
total

∆t 1
∆t 2

Graphing the Results

1. Make a graph of the Power Rating vs. total travel distance. Put
“power” on the horizontal axis and “distance” on the vertical axis.
2. Make a graph of Pulling Distance vs. Mechanical Advantage. Put
“mechanical advantage” on the horizontal axis and “pulling distance”
on the vertical axis.

Analysis
1. Describe any relationship that might exist between power rating and
travel distance.
45
2. Describe any relationship that might exist between wheel to axle ratio
and pulling distance.

Power Output, Gear Ratio, Mechanical Advantage

 Lab #8 - Conserving Energy
Purpose
In this activity you will calculate the efficiency of your mousetrap car

Materials
Ruler
Caliper
Stopwatch

Variables needed from other labs

Total Potential Energy from Lab #5
Rolling Friction from Lab #6
Coefficient of Rolling Friction from Lab #6
Rotational Inertia for each Wheel or Axle System from Lab #4

46 Discussion
In this lab you will calculate the overall efficiency of your vehicle.
Efficiency is how effectively a machine can transform energy into work
without losing energy to friction. It is a rule of nature that in all
transformations of energy some energy will be lost to the surroundings
because of friction. More efficient machines lose less energy to friction.
Efficiency allows you to see just how much of your energy is being used as
designed. A mousetrap car uses energy to change speed and displace its
position. With a slow-moving distance car, you would expect a more
efficient vehicle to travel further than a less efficient car. With a distance
car the objective is to reduce friction to a minimum, thereby increasing
distance to a maximum.

With a speed car, the objective is to quickly transform the stored potential
energy into energy of motion. For a speed car you can measure the efficiency
by comparing the starting potential energy to the ending kinetic energy as

Conservation of Energy
 Lets Get Rolling
the vehicle crosses the finish line. The kinetic
energy will be stored in two forms: rotational
kinetic energy and linear kinetic energy. Rotational
kinetic energy is the energy that is in the rotation of the
wheels. Linear kinetic energy is in the movement of
the car. These two forms of kinetic energy have to be
calculated independently and then added together in order to find the total
energy at the finish.

Finding the Rolling Friction

Step 1: Use the information from Lab # 2 and record your mousetrap
cars starting potential energy .

Total Starting Energy = _______ Joules

Data Table #1
47
Pulling Time Final Linear Total Total Work Efficiency
Distance Velocity Kinetic Rotational Kinetic Done
Energy Energy Energy
d1= t1= v1= KEtran 1= KErot 1= KE1= w1= E1=
d2= t2= v2= KEtran 2= KErot 2= KE2= w2= E2=
d3= t3= v3= KEtran 3= KErot 3= KE3= w3= E3=
d4= t4= v4= KEtran 4= KErot 4= KE4= w4= E4=
AVE d= h= KEtran = KErot= KE= w= E=

Step 2: Place your mousetrap car on the start line Walk along side of
your mousetrap car and measure the pulling distance. You can also use the
data you calculated from Lab #3: Predicting Pulling Distance. Record the
pulling distance in Data Table #1 under “Pulling Distance. “

Conservation of Energy
 Step 3: Place your mousetrap car on the start line. Release the mousetrap
car and time it over the pulling distance only. Do not time beyond the pulling
distance. Test three to five times and record in Data Table #1 under “Time.”

Step 4: Use the following formula to calculate the final velocities for
each trial. Record your results in Data Table #1 under “Final velocity.”

2 ∗ Pulling Distance
Final Velocity =
Time
Step 5: Find the mass for your vehicle so that you can calculate the
linear kinetic energy. Calculate the linear kinetic energy for each trial using
the mass times the final velocity squared. Record your answer under “Linear
Kinetic Energy” in Data Table #1.
2
(m) ∗ (V )
48 KE tran 1
=
2
f1

Finding the Rotational Kinetic Energy

Step 6: From Lab#5 record the rotational inertia for each wheel or axle
system in data table #2. Aslo record the radius for each wheel on your vehicle.

Data Table #2
Front Front Rear Rear
Wheel #1 Wheel #2 Wheel #1 Wheel #2
0r 0r
Front Axle Rear Axle
System System

Rotational Inertia If1= If2= Ir1= Ir2=

Radius of Wheel rf1= rf2= rr1= rr2=

Conservation of Energy
Step 7: Using the final velocities from Table #1, calculate the rotational
kinetic energy for each trial. You must calculate each wheel or axle system
separately.
2
(I ) ∗ (v )
KE 1 = 1
2
f1

2∗ (r )
rot 1
1

Data Table #3
Trial # KErot KErot KErot KErot Total Rotational
Wheel Wheel Wheel Wheel Kinetic Energy
#1 #2 #3 #4
1= KE 1rot 1= KE 2rot 1= KE 3rot 1= KE 4rot 1= KE rot 1=
2= KE 1rot 2= KE 2rot 2= KE 3rot 2= KE 4rot 2= KE rot 2=
3= KE 1rot 3= KE 2rot 3= KE 3rot 3= KE 4rot 3= KE rot 3=
4= KE 1rot 4= KE 2rot 4= KE 3rot 4= KE 4rot 4= KE rot 4=
49
Step 8: Once you have found the rotational kinetic energy for each wheel,
add each value together for each trial in order to get the total rotational
kinetic energy, record in Data Table #3 and then transfer the Total Rotational
Kinetic Energy to Table #1.

KE rot 1
= KE 1 + KE 2 + KE 3 + KE 4
rot 1 rot 1 rot 1 rot 1

Step 9: From Table #1 add the linear kinetic energy with the total
rotational kinetic energy. This value represents the total energy of your
vehicle when all the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

KE = KE + KE
1 rot 1 tran 1

Conservation of Energy
 Step 10: Subtract the total kinetic energy from the starting potential
energy to get the work lost to friction.

W = PE - KE
1 1 1

Step 11: With a distance vehicle the objective is to convert the starting
potential energy into distance by doing work to overcome friction. With a
speed car the objective is to convert the starting potential energy into kinetic
energy. Calculate the efficiency for your vehicle by dividing the total kinetic
energy by the starting potential energy and then multiplying by 100 in order
to get a percentage.

KE
Efficiency = 1
∗100
1

PE start
50
Step 12: Calculate the amount of rolling friction acting against your
vehicle using the energy lost to friction or the work divided by the pulling
distance.
W
f =
1
1

d 1

Conservation of Energy
Graphing the Results
You will now graph your data in order to learn from your results. In each of
the following graphs, attempt to draw a “best fit” line. If data is widely
scattered, do not attempt to connect each dot but instead draw the best line
you can that represents the shape of the dots. If you have access to a computer,
you can use a spread sheet like Microsoft Exel to plot your data.

1. Graph Pulling Distance vs. Work for each vehicle in the class.

2. Graph Pulling Distance vs Efficiency for each vehicle in the class.

Analysis
1. Explain how pulling distance is related to energy lost to friction or the
work done.
51
2. Explain the relationship that exists between pulling distance and efficiency.

Conservation of Energy
 Building the Perfect Distance Cars
Brain Tip
Key Ideas you should consider when building a good dis-
tance vehicle

- Longer lever arms The more string that can be pulled off
the drive axle translates into more turns that the wheels can
make, this causes your vehicle to cover more dis-
tance under the pulling force.

- Large Drive Wheel(s) Large drive wheels

cover more linear distance for each rotation
than a smaller diameter wheel. The best
wheels tend to be between 1-2 feet in diam-eter.

- Small Drive Axle You can get more turns with a smaller axle for
52 the same length of string than with a larger one. More turns of the
axle means more turns of the wheel, which means greater travel
distance.

- Small Power Output Vehicles that move slower tend to be more

energy efficient in comparison to an equally built car of same roll-
ing friction. You can slow a car down by increasing the lever arm
length and repositioning the mousetrap further from the drive axle.
At low speeds, air resistance is not a large factor in the motion of a
moving object, but as the speed of an object increases, the force of
air resistance also increases; therefore, at higher speeds moving
objects will have to expend more energy to maintain constant ve-
locity. For this reason, it is best to build a slow moving distance
car!

Distance Car
- Decrease Mass and Rotational Inertia Build a lightweight frame
and use lightweight wheels. Remove mass from wheels to decrease
rotational inertia. 53
- Sample Different Mousetraps Not all mousetrap springs have
the same spring tension. The greater the tension in a mousetrap,
the more energy you will be able to store when the spring is wound-
up.

- Remove ALL Friction This one is impossible but the more you
can reduce friction, the less energy that will be lost to heat and
sound which translates into greater travel distance. Your vehicle
should have the lowest possible energy consumption; this means
that your vehicle should be a slow mover and use ball bearings.

Using these principles, mouse-trap cars have traveled 100+ meters!

Distance Car
 Ideas for Increasing Distance
1 Decrease rolling friction by re-working the friction points. Polish
bushings or use ball bearings. If you are using bearings, soak them in WD-
40; this will remove any oil or grease. Although grease and oil are lubricants
and often used to reduce friction, adding them to mouse-trap car bearings
slows the car down because of the large viscosity of the lubricants.

54 2 Decrease the force required to pull the vehicle by decreasing the

rotational inertia. Decrease the rotational inertia by removing mass from
the inside of the wheels. Decrease the overall mass of the car by removing
mass from the frame and use a light-weight lever arm. Move the trap away
from the pulling axle and extend the lever arm. Re-adjust the string and the
string attachment point. Don notadd mass around the outside of wheels such
as rubber bands or balloons.

3 Use a larger drive wheel. Try making a wheel out of mat board.
Mat board is stiff and light weight.

Distance Car
4 Use a smaller drive axle. The larger the ratio of drive wheel(s)-
to-axle(s) diameter, the farther you car will go for each turn of the wheel and
the greater the pulling distance will be.

5 Find a stronger mouse trap. Test different mouse traps in order to

find the strongest one.

6 If your car is stopping and the spring is not at its resting point, find
a stronger mouse trap or try to make a tapered axle so you can change the
55
torque required to turn the wheels as the pulling force to the drive axle
changes, or build up the drive axle with tape.

7 Check string alignment and make sure that the string is attached
directly over the drive axle with the lever arm held in the fully wound position.

Distance Car
 Building the Perfect Speed Cars
Brain Tip
Key Ideas you should consider when building a good speed
vehicle. Using these principles, I have seen mouse-trap cars
travel 5 meters in under 1 second!

- Shorter lever arms shorter lever arms have more pulling force,
more pulling force means greater acceleration, greater acceleration
mean less time before the vehicle reaches top speed. If the lever arm
is too short your vehicle will slip off the start and will waste energy.
Therefore, adjust the lever length in order to find the best performance

- Smaller Drive Wheel(s) Wheels should be around 2-5 inches in

diameter but no larger than a compact disc. If the wheel-to-axle ratio
too small your vehicle will slip off the start and will waste energy.
Therefore, adjust the ratio in order to find the best performance

56 - Increase the Traction Use rubber bands on the drive wheels and/or
Traction Action® on the wheels in order to increase the traction.
More traction means greater acceleration.

- Larger Diameter Drive Axle You can get more torque with a thick
axle. More torque means greater acceleration! You can build the
axle up with tape to increass the axle diameter.

- Large Power Output The vehicle should be designed to have a

large energy consumption in a short period of time (i.e., a large power
output). A vehicle that can get-up to its top speed as fast as possible
will have a shorter time over a timed distance. With a car designed
for speed , the objective is how quickly can the vehicle convert its
potential energy into kinetic energy.

Speed Car
- Decrease Mass and Rotational Inertia MORE IMPORTANT
WITH A SPEED CAR THAN A DISTANCE VEHICLE. Build a
lightweight frame and use lightweight wheels. A wheel with a large
rotational inertia can really limit a cars performance, remove as
much mass as possible from wheels to decrease rotational inertia.

- Sample Different Mousetraps Not all mousetrap springs have

the same spring tension. The greater the tension in a mousetrap,
the more energy you will be able to store when the spring is wound-
up.

- Remove ALL Friction This one is

impossible but the more you can
reduce friction, the less energy that
will be lost to heat and sound,
which translates into greater
57
speed. Your vehicle should
have the lowest possible
energy consumption do
to friction; this
means that your
vehicle should
use ball
bearings.

Speed Car
 Ideas for Increasing Speed
1 Move the mouse trap closer to the drive axle as long as the wheels
are not spinning and decrease lever arm accordingly.

Drive Axle

58
2 Increase traction on drive wheels by using rubber bands or the
middle section of a rubber balloon around the drive wheels. Try adding
mass directly above the drive axle.

3 Move the trap away from drive wheel(s) only if the wheels are
slipping. This will decrease the pulling force which is the reason for the
slipping wheels.

Speed Car
4 Decrease rolling friction by re-working the friction points. Polish
bushings or use ball bearings. If you are using bearings, soak them in WD-
40l; this will remove any oil or grease. Although grease and oil are lubricants
and often used to reduce friction, adding them to mouse-trap car bearings
slows the car down because of the large viscosity of the lubricants.

5 Decrease rotational inertia of wheels by removing mass from the 59

inside of the wheels. Also, try smaller diameter wheels.

6 Adjust the wheel-to-axle ratio by adding or removing tape on the

drive axle.

7 Check string alignment and make sure that the string is attached
directly over the drive axle with the lever arm held in the fully wound position.

Speed Car
 Common problems with both
Distance and Speed cars
PROBLEM:
Axle slides back and forth causing wheels to rub against the frame of the car,
slowing or stopping the car.
1. Add thrust washer between wheels and the frame for a smoother
rubbing surface with less friction.

2. Make spacers out of brass tubing to hold the wheels in place and
limit the side-to-side play of the wheels or axles.
3. If you are using bearings, the axle may be moving side to side.
Carefully glue the axles to the bearings without getting glue in the

60 bearings.

PROBLEM:
Can’t find an axle to fit the wheels or bearings.
1. Re-size the axle or change the wheel’s hole
size with a spacer.

Technical Help
PROBLEM:
Mouse trap falls quickly but car moves slowly.
1. Drive wheels are not glued to the axle
and the axle is spinning inside the
wheels. Glue wheels to axle.

2. There is no hook on the axle for attaching

the string and/or the string is slipping off the axle without pulling.
The hook may not be glued to the axle and is slipping under the tension
of the string.

61

PROBLEM:
Mouse trap car does not start or moves slowly.
1. Too much friction in the rolling points. Re-do the rolling points or
try ball bearings.

Technical Help
 PROBLEM:
Mouse trap car does not start or moves slowly. (Continued)
2. Not enough tension in the pulling string. Move the trap closer to the
drive axle and adjust the string attachment point on the lever arm
accordingly or try to build up the drive axle with tape. Lastly, test
different mouse traps and use the strongest one.

62 PROBLEM:
Mouse trap car does not travel straight.
1. Wheels are not pointing in the same direction.
The solution is to bring the wheels into alignment. If
the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle you need to
focus your efforts on the single wheel. Try to align it
with the other two. This is not easy!

2. This only applies to long distance cars that use one

large wheel as the drive wheel. If the car travels
straight when you push it without the tension of the
lever arm, but turns once under the pulling tension of the trap, there is
too much frame flex or the trap is pulling too hard on one side of the
axle. Strengthen the frame or prevent the pulling side of the axle from
giving too much at its holding points.

Technical Help
PROBLEM:
Mouse-trap car suddenly stops or slows quickly.
1. The string is not releasing from the drive axle because it is either
glued to the axle or it is too long or the hook is too long and
caching the string causing it to rewind.

Cut string a little bit

shorter than what
is needed in order
to insure a proper
release.

2. There is too much friction at the rolling points. Re-work the bearings
to reduce friction or try ball bearings. Try a small diameter axle.
63

3. Wheels are rubbing on the frame. Prevent wheels from rubbing

with spacers or thrust washers.

Technical Help
 The Great Mouse-Trap Car Distance Race Rules

OBJECTIVE:
Build a vehicle powered solely by the energy of one standard-sized mouse trap
(1 3/4" X 3 7/8") that will travel the greatest linear distance.

By definition, a vehicle is “a device with wheels or runners used to carry something (e.g., car,
bus, bicycle or sled).” Therefore, launching a ball (e.g., marble) from the mouse trap will be
ruled illegal.

REGULATIONS:
1. The device must be powered by a single “Victor” brand mouse trap (1 3/4" X 3 7/8").
Other brands may be used if permitted.
2. The mouse trap can not be physically altered except for the following: 4 holes can be
drilled only to mount the mouse trap to the frame and a mouse-trap’s spring can be
removed only to adjust the length of its lever arm.
3. The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other than
what can be stored in the mouse-trap’s spring itself. (This also means that you cannot

64 push start your vehicle.)

4. The spring from the mouse trap cannot be altered or heat treated.
5. The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance or 180 degrees.
6. Vehicles must be self-starting. Vehicles may not receive a push in the forward direction
or side direction.
7. The vehicle must steer itself. Measurements of distance will not measure the total
distance travele,d only the displacement distance.
8. Distance will be measured from the front of the tape at the starting line to the point of
the vehicle that was closest to the start line at the time of release.
9. The instructor has the final decision as to the appropriateness of any additional items
that might be used in the construction of the vehicle.

RUNNING THE CONTEST:

1. The race track can be any smooth level floor, a gymnasium or a non-carpeted hallway.
2. Each contestant will be given three attempts. The winner will be that vehicle which has
obtained the greatest distance on any one of the three attempts. Any ties will be
decided by a single run-off between the vehicles which tied.
The Great Mouse-Trap Car Speed Race Rules

OBJECTIVE:
Build a vehicle, powered solely by the energy of one standard-sized mouse trap
(1 3/4" X 3 7/8") that will travel a 5-meter linear distance in the shortest amount of time.

By definition, a vehicle is “a device with wheels or runners used to carry something (e.g., a
car, bus, bicycle, or sled).” Therefore, launching a ball (e.g., a marble) from the mouse trap
will be ruled illegal.

REGULATIONS:
1. The device must be powered by a single “Victor” brand mouse trap (1 3/4" X 3 7/8")
Other brands may be used if permitted.
2. The mouse trap can not be physically altered except for the following: 4 holes can be
drilled only to mount the mouse trap to the frame and a mouse-trap’s spring can be
removed only to adjust the length of its lever arm.
3. The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other than
what can be stored in the mouse-trap’s spring itself. (This also means that you cannot
push start your vehicle.)
4. The spring from the mouse trap cannot be altered or heat treated.
5. The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance or 180 degrees.
65
6. Vehicles must be self-starting. Vehicles may not receive a push in the forward direction
or side direction.
7. The vehicle must steer itself. Measurements of distance will not measure the total
distance traveled, only the displacement distance.
8. Vehicles can not recieve a running start and must start as close as posible to the start
line. Time of run will begin when any part of the vehicle passes over the start line and
will ends when that same point passes over the 5-meter mark.
9. The instructor has the final decision as to the appropriateness of any additional items
that might be used in the construction of the vehicle.

RUNNING THE CONTEST:

1. The race track can be any smooth level floor, a gymnasium or a non-carpeted hallway.
2. Each contestant will be given three attempts. The winner will be that vehicle which has
obtained the least amount of time on any one of the three attempts. Any ties will be
decided by a single run-off between the vehicle which tied.
 The Great Mouse-Trap Car Breaking Rules

OBJECTIVE:
Build a vehicle, powered solely by the energy of one standard-sized mouse trap, (1 3/4" X 3 7/
8"), that will travel a 5-meter linear distance in the shortest amount of time AND stop as close to
the 5 meter mark as possible without going over.

By definition, a vehicle is a device with wheels or runners used to carry something, as a car, bus,
bicycle, or sled. Therefore, launching a ball, such as a marble from the mousetrap will be ruled
illegal.

REGULATIONS:
1. The device must be powered by a single Victor brand mouse trap (1 3/4" X 3 7/8") Other
brands may be used if permitted.
2. The mousetrap can not be physically altered except for the following: 4 holes can be drilled
only to mount the mousetrap to the frame and a mousetrap’s spring can be removed only to
adjust the length of it’s lever arm.
3. The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other than what
can be stored in the mouse trap’s spring itself. (This also means that you cannot push start
your vehicle.)
4. The spring from the mousetrap cannot be altered or heat treated.
5. The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance or 180 degrees.
6. Vehicles must be self-starting. Racers may not receive a push in the forward direction or side
66 direction.
7. The vehicle must steer itself. Measurements of distance will not measure the total distance
traveled only the displacement distance.
8. Racers can not receive a running start and must start as close as possible to the start line. Time
of run will begin when any part of the vehicle passes over the start line and will ends when
that same point passes over the 5-meter mark.
9. The instructor has the final decision as to the appropriateness of any additional items that
might be used in the construction of the vehicle.

RUNNING THE CONTEST:

1. The race track can be any smooth level floor, a gymnasium or a non-carpeted hallway.
2. Each contestant will be given three attempts. The winner will be that racer which has obtained
the lowest score on any one of the three attempts. Any ties will be decided by a single run off
between the racers that tied.

SCORING: lowest score wins:

Score = (time in seconds) + (distance from 5 meter mark in centimeters) + (distance OVER 5
meter mark in centimeters)
Note: the penalty for going over the mark is the distance from the line being added twice, if a
car does not go past the line then the distance over the line is zero.
 The Great Mouse-Trap Boat Race Rules

OBJECTIVE:
Build a vehicle, powered solely by the energy of one standard-sized mouse trap
(1 3/4" X 3 7/8") that will travel a 3-meter linear distance in the shortest amount of time.

By definition, a vehicle is “a device that floats such as a boat.” Therefore, launching a ball
(e.g., a marble) from the mouse trap will be ruled illegal.

REGULATIONS:
1. The device must be powered by a single “Victor” brand mouse trap (1 3/4" X 3 7/8")
Other brands may be used if permitted.
2. The mouse trap can not be physically altered except for the following: 4 holes can be
drilled only to mount the mouse trap to the frame and a mouse-trap’s spring can be
removed only to adjust the length of its lever arm.
3. The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other than
what can be stored in the mouse-trap’s spring itself. (This also means that you cannot
push start your vehicle.)
4. The spring from the mouse trap cannot be altered or heat treated.
5. The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance or 180 degrees. 67
6. Vehicles must be self-starting. Vehicles may not receive a push in the forward direction
or side direction.
7. The vehicle must steer itself. Measurements of distance will not measure the total
distance traveled, only the displacement distance.
8. Vehicles can not recieve a running start and must start as close as posible to the start
line. Time of run will begin when any part of the vehicle passes over the start line and
will ends when that same point passes over the 3-meter mark.
9. The instructor has the final decision as to the appropriateness of any additional items
that might be used in the construction of the vehicle.

RUNNING THE CONTEST:

1. The race track can be any boady of water that is greater than 3-meters.
2. Each contestant will be given three attempts. The winner will be that vehicle which has
obtained the least time on any one of the three attempts. Any ties will be decided by a
single run-off between the vehicle which tied.
 Mouse-Trap Car Worksheet

What is the diameter of your vehicles drive wheels?

What is the circumference of the drive wheels?

The circumference is calculated by multiplying the drive wheel
diameter by Pi or 3.14.

How far will your vehicle travel in one rotation of the drive wheels?
A vehicle will travel the same distance as the circumference for each
turn of the drive wheel.

What is the diameter of the drive axle?

What is the circumference of the drive axle?

The circumference is calculated by multiplying the drive axle diameter
by Pi or 3.14.

How much string is used during one complete turn of the drive wheel?
68 In one turn of the axle, the length of srting used is the same as the
circumference.

What is the length of your vehicles power stroke?

For your vehicles power stroke, how many times would the string
wind around the drive axle? (Note, the string should always be as
long or a little shorter than the power stroke.)
The number time that the drive axle turns durring the power stroke
is calculated by deviding the length of the power stroke by the amount
of string needed for one turn of the axle.

How many turns will the drive wheel(s) make during the power
stroke?
same number as the turns of string around the axle

How far will your vehicle travel durring the power stroke?
Multiply the drive wheel circumference by the turns of string.
Mouse-Trap Car Worksheet

Mouse-Trap Car’s Mass

Mouse-Trap Car’s Weight

Normal Force on non-drive wheel(s)

Normal force on drive wheel(s)

Position of center of mass from non-drive wheel(s)

Rotational inertia of non-drive wheel(s)

Rotational inertia of drive wheel(s)

Wheel grip or traction force

Coefficient of Traction

Coefficient of rolling friction 69

Friction force of non-drive wheel(s)

Maximum Acceleration

Drive Wheel Axle Radius

Drive Wheel Radius

String Tension at start

Potential energy of wound mouse-trap

Predicted travel distance

Actual travel distance

Speed over 5 meters