We built rubber band powered cars and now we need to do a write up based on our results. Now I've managed to complete most of the write up except a few parts. We are asked to determine the theoretical total original energy of the vehicle and the final energy. I'm just wondering what equation I would need to use to find this and what givens I would use and why. I'm trying to better understand the topic... but I don't really have anyone else to ask!

Thanks!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pinballqueen

We built rubber band powered cars and now we need to do a write up based on our results. Now I've managed to complete most of the write up except a few parts. we are asked to determine the theoretical total original energy of the vehicle and the final energy. I'm just wondering what equation I would need to use to find this and what givens I would use and why. I'm trying to better understand the topic... but I don't really have anyone else to ask!!

Thanks!

---

In order to help with the equations you will need to provide additional details about your project. For example: the weight of the car, the distance it moved, timing measurements made, the landscape of the motion: on level surface, up an incline, etc. the conditions at the end, related to final energy: at rest or in motion, etc.