Conceptual Physics Speed Boat Project

Mouse Trap Powered Speed Boat Project

Description: Research, design and build a mouse trap powered speed boat that travels eight feet in the shortest possible time. The boat must be less than 24” long when starting the race. Faster boats will receive higher scores. Only one Victor brand mousetrap may be used per boat. The boat cannot use any other form of energy, including but not limited to: Rubber bands, rockets, rat traps, springs, chemical reactions, wind, solar, or biopower. You are allowed one partner but you may also work alone if you prefer. The water in the trough is guaranteed to be 2” deep only. Measure the track carefully so that your boat fits. The track is about 4.0” wide. Significant work is required outside of class as only ten class periods will be devoted to researching, building, and testing.

Point value: One full test grade = 70 pts

Due dates: first day: Side and overhead drawing and materials list : 5 pts
10/8 materials due
10/15 First prototype (must move in the water when released) = 5 pts
10/23 Must make it across the track in less than 10 seconds = 5 pts
11/1 Final project due. 50 pts See grade scale below


Final Speed Boat Grade Scale:

Has boat with propulsion system but no movement = 50% = 25 pts

Moves but greater than 10 seconds = 65% = 33 pts

9-9.99 seconds = 75% = 38 pts

7-8.99 seconds = 85% = 43 pts

5-6.99 seconds = 95% = 48 pts

less than 5 seconds = A+ = 100% = 50 pts


Materials: Students provide their own materials to include but not limited to: Foam, wood strips, plastics, glue, paint, string, and ten total class periods.

Tools: The following tools will be provided: hand saw to cut materials less than 1/8” thick and 2” long, hot glue gun and one stick of glue per class per period, pliers

CP Physics Chap 2 Quiz concepts p 48-58

1. Calculate “a” given delta v and t
2. Calculate t given “a” and delta v
3. Calculate final velocity given initial velocity, “a” and t
4. Calculate t given final velocity, “a” and t
5. Calculate initial velocity given final velocity, t and “a”
6. Know the velocity and acceleration chart p 51
Ex. What is the sign of vi and “a” when slowing down in the positive direction and what are the signs of vi and “a” when slowing down in the negative direction?
7. Solve for horizontal displacement given vf and t when starting from rest
8. Solve for time given horizontal displacement, and initial and final velocity.
9. Solve for vi given displacement and time when braking
10. Solve for displacement given vi, time and “a”
11. Solve for time given “a” and starting from rest, and displacement
12. Solve for final velocity given initial velocity, “a” and displacement
13. Solve for “a” given vf, displacement and starting from rest
14. Solve for displacement given delta vf, vi and “a”
15. Interpreting velocity time graphs

CP Physics Concepts for the first Quiz on Chap 2

1. Frame of reference
2. Displacement vs distance travelled
3. Speed vs velocity
4. Calculate an average speed when no acceleration
5. Calculate time given speed and distance no “a”
6. Calculate distance given speed and time no “a”
7. Calculate an initial or final speed when there is acceleration
8. Calculate acceleration given two speeds and a time interval
9. Convert between units, sci. notation and sig figs
10. Interpret or draw constant speed, stopped and backwards on a d-t graph
11. Interpret or draw acceleration, constant speed and deccelertion (negative acceleration) on a d-t graph
12. Vector vs scalar quantities.

CP Physics Concepts for the first Quiz on Chap 1

Here are the concepts that I think you should know from Chap 1. Ask Questions if you are unclear on any of these concepts

1. Branches of Physics


2. Memorize prefix meanings and symbols


3. Identify SI base units for mass, time, length, volume


4. Know Significant digit rules and rounding numbers


5. Add or subtract and round with sig figs


6. Multiply and divide and round with sig figs


7. Scientific notation


8. Accuracy v precision defs and distinguish difference


9. Reading and interpreting data table


10. Figure out the formula for a line given a linear graph


11. Estimate order of magnitude of common items in mms, cms, m, kms


12. Convert one prefix unit to another prefix unit showing dimensional analysis (top and bottom fraction stuff)

Radar detector Video

Watch this video clip showing how a radar detector alerts the driver of radar in the area

Instructions for Joining Quia

Here are the instructions for Joining Period 4 Conceptual Physics

Here are the instructions for Joining Period 6 Conceptual Physics

Here Are the instructions for Joining period 7 CP Physics

The Physics of pool or billiards

Explore this pool site for five minutes. Focus on videos that demonstrate elastic collisions such as the the 90 degree rule and the 30 degree rule.

Assignment: How can you use these rules to become a better pool player?