Make an analysis about how the Conservation of Energy and Work applies on a mousetrap car. Is energy conserved, ie. is ∆? = 0 ? What is the system and what are your assumptions such that ∆? =0 ?

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Author:Paul Peter Urone, Roger Hinrichs
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Chapter7: Work, Energy, And Energy Resources
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Problem 1CQ: Give an example of something think of as work in everyday circumstances that is not work in the...
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Make an analysis about how the Conservation of Energy and Work applies on a mousetrap car.

Is energy conserved, ie. is ∆? = 0 ? What is the system and what are your assumptions such that
∆? =0 ?

Expert Solution
Step 1

First, let's consider energy conservation. In a mousetrap car, the energy stored in the spring of the mousetrap is converted into kinetic energy as the car moves. Ideally, the energy input from the mousetrap spring would be equal to the energy output of the car's motion, so that the total energy of the system remains constant. In other words, the change in the system's energy (∆E) would be zero.

However, it is important to note that there will be some energy losses due to factors such as friction and air resistance. These losses will result in a decrease in the car's speed over time and ultimately in the mousetrap's energy being dissipated as heat.

Now, let's consider work. In a mousetrap car, work is done by the spring of the mousetrap as it is loaded, and work is also done on the car as it moves. The work done by the mousetrap spring is equal to the potential energy stored in the spring. This work is then transferred to the car's wheels as the mousetrap spring is released, causing the car to move forward.

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Can You write a conservation of energy equation with all the energies involved in a mouse trap car?

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