1. Physics and The Mousetrap Car

2. Photos
                    
                    
                    
                    

3. Photos

4. Work and Energy: Definitions
Work: a force causing a displacement in the direction of the force
When work is done on a system the energy of the system increases
Energy: the ability to do work or move
Kinetic Energy: Energy due to motion

5. Work and Energy: Definitions
Potential Energy: Stored Energy
Can be stored in elastic properties of springs
Can be due to position in a gravitational, electrical, or magnetic field
Can be stored in chemical bonds
Conservation of Energy: Energy can neither be created or destroyed, but often changes forms

6. Work and Energy
The energy for the motion of the car comes from the work done to pull back the spring arm.
The energy is stored in the spring as elastic potential energy until the spring is released
The potential energy is transferred to kinetic energy as the car moves

7. Friction
Friction between the axles and the body and friction with the air reduces the motion of the car
As the car rolls to a stop, the kinetic energy of the car is turned into heat and is lost to the environment
Friction between the wheels and the floor is necessary for the car to move

8. Motion: Acceleration
The car is accelerated by the force from the spring
As the car stops, friction produces a negative acceleration

9. Motion: Velocity The car’s velocity is its speed and direction
Average velocity will be measured by timing a 3 meter section of the motion
Direction of motion should remain constant for best results

10. Motion: Displacement
The car’s displacement is the straight line distance between starting and ending points and the direction
If no change in direction occurred during the motion, the distance and the displacement will have the same magnitude