ok so this is a last-ditch effort to see if I can solve my problem before I sleep
so I am having some difficulties with my wheels on my mousetrap car. the wheels move perfectly fine when lifted but not on the ground leading me to believe it's related to friction. i added tape around the cd wheels to alleviate some of the friction but it did nothing. i thought maybe its a problem with the wooden axel so i tried removing the tape that was near the cd hole but that made it worse. what can I do to help?
It seems like you're experiencing problems with the wheels of your mousetrap car not moving properly on the ground, which could be related to friction. Friction can indeed impact the movement of the wheels. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
1. Check the alignment: Ensure that the wheels are properly aligned and mounted on the car. Make sure they are parallel and evenly spaced on the axles.
2. Minimize contact points with the ground: Reduce the amount of surface area between the wheels and the ground. You can achieve this by using narrower wheels or by adding tires or rubber bands around the wheels. This will help to decrease the friction.
3. Lubricate the axles: Apply some lubricant, such as silicone spray or graphite powder, to the axles. This will reduce friction between the axle and the wheel, allowing them to spin more freely.
4. Reduce weight: If your mousetrap car is too heavy, it can put excessive pressure on the wheels, increasing friction. Try to make your car lighter by using lighter materials or removing any unnecessary weight.
5. Optimize wheel materials: Consider using wheels made of materials with low friction, such as plastic or nylon. These materials can reduce the amount of friction between the wheels and the ground.
6. Check for debris: Make sure there are no small particles or debris stuck to the wheels or axles. These can increase friction and hinder the movement. Clean the wheels and axles thoroughly.
7. Test and adjust: After making adjustments, test the car on a smooth and flat surface. Observe how it performs, and if the problem persists, try experimenting with different solutions or combinations of the above steps until you find the optimal setup.
Remember, solving engineering challenges often involves trial and error. Keep making adjustments and experimenting until you achieve the desired results. Good luck!