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In this tutorial, we learn how to build a simple mouse trap car. To do this, you will need: a ruler, two records, a thin metal rod, and a mousetrap. First, you will lay the ruler down to measure out where you are going to place the records. Next, you will hold these into place by using the metal rod in between the two of them. If it's not secure, use washers and glue to keep it in the proper.
My eldest son has come home twice now with instructions from a teacher to build a mousetrap car. There is a lot on the internet that provides video and instructions. The following is the result of the modifications made to various designs seen and improvements made from the first try to the most recent version of this vehicle. A warning: mousetraps are delicate instruments of death to the unwary mouse. Even following the instructions given may result in fingers being snapped accidentally and it will hurt. Slow and steady, as they say, wins the race. Following these instructions but working slowly and carefully and having an extra body around for assistance should reduce or eliminate finger or other bodily damage!
Fit a pencil through a pop tab, both eye hooks, and the second pop tab. Center the pencil and mark each side of the pencil about 1 to 1½ inches out from each eye hook.7.
Wrap electrical tape carefully around the pencil at the mark. Position the CD hole over the tape periodically and stop wrapping when the CD will fit snugly onto the wrapped tape.8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the other short side of the mousetrap but make sure the interior axle-length of this side is longer than created in Steps 6 and 7. Drill a hole through the center of the pencil (on the 'mouse' side of the mousetrap).10. Make sure the pop tabs are very close to the eye hooks and then pinch the cut ends of the pop tabs to the pencil to keep the pencil (axle) from shifting side ways.
Bend the tabs away from the eye hooks if necessary to allow the pencil to rotate freely. Make sure the pencil can rotate freely. Repeat this step with the other two pop tabs for the opposite axle.11. Using pliers, straighten the bar from the point it meets the top of the mousetrap towards the inside so it will not interfere with the motion of either wheel. Measure the fishing wire from the tip of the bar to about two inches past the tip of the mouse's nose.13. If you have not already done so, remove the straight bar anchored at the tip of the mouse's nose.14.
Cover the edges of the back wheels (mouse points to these!) with electrical tape to reduce slippage at take-off.15. Slip the fishing wire through the hole drilled through the pencil in Step 9 and knot it securely.16. Make a loop at the top of the straight bar.17. Tie the other end of the fishing wire to the loop at the top of the bar and secure it with electrical tape. Rotate the back wheels slowly to wrap the fishing line around the axle (pencil) until the line is taut.2. Pull back the bar and continue winding again until the wire is taut (potential energy for the vehicle is obtained in these steps).3.
Hold onto the back wheels and place the car onto smooth ground in an area where there is ample room (at least 20 feet of horizontal distance).4.Let go of the wheels and watch your car speed away.5. If the car does not travel in a straight line, adjustments must be made. Check the pop tabs to make sure the axles cannot move from side to side. Ensure that the axles are aligned properly. If you did not ensure that the eye hooks were level with each other your vehicle will not travel in a straight line.Most importantly, have fun!
Rome wasn't built in a day and your mousetrap vehicle may not be built in an hour. Part of the fun is tweaking your vehicle to make it work better and more efficiently.
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Mousetrap cars are one of the most common projects in schools. Here are step-by-step directions to help you build this car, quickly and easily.Schools and colleges often assign the task of building a mousetrap car as a part of science fair projects, because they help demonstrate the application of the various concepts of physics. Besides imparting knowledge, building a mousetrap car is also fun. Not only kids, but adults also enjoy building their own little car and participating in races. However, first let us understand the working of this car.
Working of the Mousetrap CarThe mousetrap car works on basic physic laws. In the design, the snapper of the mousetrap is tied with a string; the other end of which is tied to the axle at the rear end of the car. The car is then wound in the reverse direction with the help of its hind wheels, much like a pull-back car.
This will pull the string, and in turn, open the snapper of the mousetrap. When the jaw trap closes, it pulls the string along with it. The string that is wrapped around the rear rod gets pulled, and in its motions, the rod rotates too. The wheels that are fixed onto the rod also rotate, thus giving the mousetrap car its motion.
![Instructions mouse trap car Instructions mouse trap car](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125861785/189905343.jpg)
In this step, you will prepare the assembly for installing the axles for your mousetrap car. Take two eye screws and insert them at the corners of the rear end of the mousetrap. Place these eye screws at a distance of 8 mm to 1 cm from the respective corners. While inserting the eye screws, take care that the wood does not split in the process.
Similarly, screw the remaining two eye screws at the front end of the mousetrap. Align the eye screws properly so that you can slide the rods through them. Step 3: Inserting the Axles. Tie the end of the string to the rear with the help of a loop knot as shown in the diagram. Make sure that the knot is tight. If you’re doubtful, use some glue on the knot.
Your mousetrap car is now ready to race.To wind the car, pull back the rear wheels in the reverse direction, like you would do with a pull-back car. This will wind the string on the rear rod and the jaw trap will open. Be careful while handling it. Now slowly release the wheels. As the jaw trap will force shut, your mousetrap car will speed into motion.Like it?
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