Solar Car Design

Which one of these processes is the main source of energy within the Sun?

• the sun has geothermal energy

• nuclear fission fuels the sun's energy by breaking down heavier nuclei into smaller ones

• nuclear fusion fuels the sun's energy by fusing lighter hydrogen nuclei into a heavier helium nucleus

• none of the above, the sun simply has an infinite source of energy reserve

Select all the horizontal forces involved when the solar car moves forward at a constant speed.

• weight

• force of motor

• friction

• drag

• contact force with ground

Select all the vertical forces when the solar car is moving forward at a constant speed.

• acceleration

• contact force with ground

• weight (force of gravity)

• mass

• friction

Part B is called...

• axle

• motor

• bearings/bushing

• drive gear

Part D is called...

• drive gear

• motor

• battery pack

• solar panel supports

The function of part E...

• to make the car aerodynamic

• allows the axle to spin

• provides energy to the motor

• supports the solar panel and attaches the solar panel to the car

Two functions of part A are...

• to provide energy to the motor

• to allow the axle to spin

• to attach the wheels and axles to the chassis

• to support the solar panel and attach the solar panel to the car

The function of part H is...

• to provide solar energy to motor

• to allow the axle to spin

• the frame/body of your car which all parts are attached

• to reduce friction

Part F provides ____ to the motor which provides ____ to the gears which creates _____ to move the solar car forward (note: SE stands for solar energy)

• KE, SE, friction

• KE, SE, a force

• SE, KE, friction

• SE, KE, a force

What forces need to be reduced in order to engineer an energy-efficient speed car? (choose multiple)

• friction

• weight

• drag

• acceleration