Popcan Porsche

Popcan Porsche

 HOW FAST CAN IT GO?

Introduction

As the rubber band unwinds, it tries to turn the popsicle stick and the pencil. The friction between the popsicle stick and the can is too great to move the stick. The pencil can move because the bead and plastic disk have less friction between them. However, when the pencil tries to turn, it pushes on the floor (which pushes back) and so the only way the rubber band can unwind is to roll the can forward. As the can rolls, the potential energy that is stores in the wound rubber band is transformed into motion (kinetic energy) and heat. The can will roll if the energy stored in the wound rubber band produces a force great enough to overcome the force of friction between the bead and the disk and between the can and the floor.

Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Build a compound machine that converts potential energy to kinetic energy

Entire Lesson

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Other Resources

Science World School Programs: Simple Machines
Eureka! Gallery at TELUS World of Science