A mousetrap car is great for a science project, a 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 potential energy in the spring of the mousetrap's snapper arm is turned into energy that propels a car.The right materials, an understanding of a few physical principles, and a little effort are what you'll need to make your own rodent roadster.
Step 1: Take a picture of your mousetrap car.
The frame of your car, wheels, and an engine will be powered by the mousetrap you attach to it.Miniature cars are often used for physics experiment when learning about mechanical advantage, gravity, and gear ratios.For the purposes of this example, heavy cardboard will be used, but you can also use foam core.The body of a toy car.A piece of light wood.
Step 2: For the best results, use physics.
Modification of the design of your car is possible.If your physics class is having a competition, you'll want to lighten your car as much as possible.This might include drilling holes in the frame and wheels.Thin and stiff wheels can be used.Make the front of your car small and sleek to decrease air resistance.
Step 3: Take into account the surface your car will run on.
Smaller wheels will be able to manage the incline better if your car is traveling up a ramp or across hilly terrain.The best way to traverse a flat surface is with larger wheels.
Step 4: Make materials for your mousetrap car.
There are many different materials you can use to make a mousetrap car.There are more options listed in the tips.To make the mousetrap in this example, you will need: compass, duct tape, string, elastic bands, eye hooks, heavy cardboard or foam core, and a utility knife.
Step 5: The wheels are for your car.
Four wheels are created out of your heavy cardboard or foam core.To trace your wheels-to-be onto the cardboard, you have to take your compass and pencil.One inch front wheels and two inch rear wheels were used in this example.To cut your wheels free, use your utility knife.Attach rubber bands around the outside edge of the wheel.You can use CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records to make your wheels.Larger back wheels and smaller forward wheels are used.
Step 6: The snap-arm of the trap has dangerous teeth on it.
Find the rod that is used to set the mousetrap.There will be sharp teeth at the end of the rod.If the rod has sharp teeth, use your pliers to remove it.
Step 7: Put your heavy cardboard to good use.
To fit your mousetrap, you'll need your chassis to be bigger than your trap.Use a utility knife to cut out your chassis from the cardboard after you measure and mark it out.Basswood is more durable than balsa for the car.
Step 8: Attach your mousetrap to your computer.
Use duct tape or clear packaging tape to secure the mousetrap into place on all four sides.You should avoid taping the spring when taping your trap.The spring should be found in the middle of the trap.
Step 9: Attach your eye hooks to the bottom of your car.
The eye hooks are used to hold the axle rods.If your eye hooks are out of line, your car won't travel straight and you should use a ruler and pencil to mark the location.The marks are lined up with your ruler.Attach the eye hooks through the cardboard.
Step 10: Make your axle rods.
Cut 2 thin skewers to a length about 4 centimeters longer than the width of your eye hooks.The wheels that you made will have the axle rods on the skewer sticks.They should be thin enough to slide through the eye hooks.The alignment of your car could be affected if the eye hooks are too thin or thick.
Step 11: Attach the wheels to the rods.
With the point of your compass, you should be able to poke holes in the center of each wheel.The holes should be slightly smaller.You should use a rubber band to keep it from touching the body.This will form a buffer between your wheel and the car's body, but can cause problems if it comes in contact with the body.The wheels should be pushed onto the rods.If you have larger drive wheels, they should be on the rear of the vehicle.Dowels should extend past your wheel by about 1 inch.
Step 12: Don't let your wheels come off or unaligned.
You can do this by wrapping a thin elastic band around your dowel.The elastic band will hold the wheels in place.
Step 13: Attach the string to the snap-arm.
Lift the snap-arm so that you can slide one end of your string beneath it.Wrap the string around the snap-arm and tie a knot to secure it.If you want to attach your string to the arm of your trap, you should use a general knot.
Step 14: Cut the string.
Make sure it is long enough to get past the rear of the car.The longer the string, the longer it will take for the force of your trap to be released, which will create slower acceleration but greater distance traveled.
Step 15: Take care of your transmission string.
The string is the part that transfers the force from the mousetrap to the car's rear wheels.Hold the snap-arm securely when you pull it back.Wrap the string tightly around the car's rear axle while you hold the snap-arm.Continue until there is no string left.The snap-arm should be held with a tight string.
Step 16: Prepare for the test drive.
While still holding the snap-arm, place the car on the ground.You should have a good grip on the end of the string.The release of this should cause the arm to snap forward, propelling your car.
Step 17: If you want to watch it go, release your car.
Move your hands away from the mousetrap car and let it go.Your mousetrap car will travel forward a few feet depending on the construction of your string and the length of it.