How do you get a mousetrap car to move?
If a mousetrap vehicle is struggling to move and/or needs more acceleration then the lever arms can be shortened in order to increase the pulling force. Keep in mind that you will also have to reposition the mouse trap closer to the drive axle or the system will not work as intended.
How do you propel a mousetrap car?
The most basic design for propelling a mousetrap racers is to tie one end of a string to a mouse trap’s snapper arm and then attach the other end of the string to a drive axle. By turning the drive axle the string is wound around the drive axle causing the mouse trap’s spring to compress and store energy.
Why does my mousetrap car turn?
If a mousetrap racer is turning to the left it is because the front axle is pointed slightly left or the distance between the front and rear axles is greater on the right side of the vehicle (see picture bellow). bonus tip: Once the axle holes are in alignment the mousetrap vehicle will travel straight.
How does a mousetrap car adapt to distance?
Use thin, light wheels. Thinner wheels have less friction and may go farther if the distance is what you want or need with your mousetrap racer. It’s also important to take the weight of the wheels themselves into account — any unneeded weight will ultimately slow your car down or lead to added friction.
How do you make a rat trap car go far?
Using large rear wheels allow one rotation of the axle to take the car a much further distance. In other words, a given length of the string from the mousetrap moves the car a greater distance. The last note is to place your mousetrap as close to the front of the car as possible.
What is needed to build a mouse trap car?
Materials Needed for a Mousetrap Car. There are several materials needed to build a basic mousetrap car. These items should be available at your local hardware store. You need a wooden mousetrap, two rubber bands, metal rods, eye screws, plywood, a drill, a small handsaw, a scale, a ruler, a vice or someone to hold the project steady, and wood glue.
How does a mousetrap run a car?
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.
What do levers have to do with mouse trap cars?
Mousetrap cars are powered by the spring of the mousetrap. When the mousetrap snaps back, the lever causes a release of energy . The lever is attached to a string that is wound around the back axle of the car. Therefore, when the lever snaps with the mousetrap, the string unwinds, which spins the axle and makes the car move .
What are the instructions for mouse trap?
Mouse Trap Instructions Release the arm bar from the staple. Move the arm bar to the back of the trap so it hangs over the back of the trap. Apply a small amount of high-protein bait, such as peanut butter, hazelnut spread or bacon to the yellow plastic pedal on the trap as shown.