For
Need
speed
Save
Fuel
Background Research
Force can be calculated using Newton’s 2nd Law, force =
mass x acceleration or F=ma. This means if there is a
resultant force, then the velocity will change. We can
draw a force diagram of a car moving in three different
ways. The car is traveling at a constant speed (balanced),
accelerating, and decelerating. Force diagram can tell us
about the direction and the length of the arrows, and use
consistent color coding and labeling for each force
throughout the diagrams.
Research's Question
Can we illustrate the forces working on a
moving car by a model of, and what will
happen to its speed when the forces change?
HYPOSYTHESIS
The electric moving car demonstrate: Newton's Third
Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and
opposite reaction we can see this on a force diagram
If the car moved on a rough surface it will slow down
If the car moved on a smooth surface it will speed up
By our model we will explain the causes of the changes
in its speed by explaining the forces working on the car
and their amount.
Materials list
1) Lightweight plastic (for car body)
2) 2 axles and 4 wheels
3) 2 Small DC motor with gears
4) Batteries and holder
5) Electrical wires and switch
6) Hot glue or tape
7) Scissors or cutter
8) Ruler and measuring
9) Rough and smooth surface
Procedures
Build the car chassis using the lightweight plastic board.
Attach the axles and wheels so the car can roll smoothly.
Mount the DC motor at the back of the car and attach
switch
Connect the motor to the battery using wires.
Secure all components with glue or tape.
Turn on the motor and place the car on a flat surface.
Observe the car's movement when you turn the switch
Observations
Changing the speed
o When we turn on the switch and the car starts
to move on a normal standard fair surface, it
will move in a constant speed
o If the car moved on a rough surface it will
slow down its speed.
o If the car moved on a smooth surface it will
speed up.
Conclusion
The experiment confirms Newton's Third Law and shows the
effect of variables on different forces working on the car
changing the car’s speed like: mass of the car (gravity = weight),
texture of the surface (friction) and the power of the motor
causing thrust (driving force)
According to friction and thrust, the car will move with any
desired speed. when the forces dragging the car are greater than
the thrust; the car slows down (deaccelerates). When the forces
dragging it are less than the thrust; it speeds up (accelerates).
When both forces are equal; it moves in a constant speed
Further recommendations
We can design the body of the car in a
streamlined shape to reduce the force of
the air resistance that slows the car down
to make the car faster.
If air resistance is reduced, the car
doesn’t have to use so much fuel to travel
at the same speed.
