Project Research:

During our research we found several interesting physics thoughts that would allow our car to better fill our objective of completing the distance of the race the fastest and being able to obtain an optimal distance. First of all we want to make sure that our primary structure that would be made of wooden dowels will be able to hold the weight of the car and the rider. The most optimal design aspect to do this would be to construct a triangular base supporting the weight which would better distribute the weight rather than having a break point where majority of the pressure meets the dowels. The next factor to consider is the mass of the cart we want without the rider. By using metal washers added the wheels we should be able to one add more mass to the car which will give it a greater inertia allowing it to travel farther and also faster because it will be less prone frictional forces down the sloped track. Two, by adding it on the wheels we don't add any extra force that would be exerted on the wooden frame and also give the wheels more inertia which means they will be less prone to deformation it will be harder for it to not follow a circular motion. By keeping this circular motion it will be able to reduce the friction of the wheels. We also do not plan to have any sides to the car similar to a go kart. Majority of the mass will be concentrated at the back end of the cart to allow for an increased potential energy and because the strongest part of the cart is at the back.