Can a stiffer spring help my Newton Scooter travel 1.5 meters?

[islandboy401]

I am trying to construct a Newton Scooter (one powered by Newton's Third Law) using a spring. Basically, I am supposed to make the scooter travel 1.5 meters. I've tried using a spring from a retractable pen, but the vehicle I constructed seems to be going nowhere. It seems as though too much of the spring's energy is being dissipated.

I know that the force exerted by a spring depends on the Spring Constant (k) and the distance compressed (x).

Thus, I just wanted to ask, should I get a stiffer string for my purpose or a easily compressible one? Do stiffer-springs have greater spring constant values? Is there a way I can efficiently transfer all of the Spring's potential energy into kinetic energy for the vehicle?

 

[Dadface]

Try googling the great egg race.

 

[astrokreng]

I can provide some insights into your question about using a stiffer spring for your Newton Scooter. First of all, it is important to note that the force exerted by a spring does indeed depend on the spring constant (k) and the distance compressed (x). A stiffer spring will have a higher spring constant, meaning it will exert a greater force for the same distance compressed compared to a less stiff spring.

In terms of using a stiffer spring to help your scooter travel 1.5 meters, there are a few things to consider. First, the stiffness of the spring alone may not be the only factor affecting the distance traveled. The design and construction of your scooter, as well as other external factors such as friction, will also play a role in its performance.

Additionally, while a stiffer spring may provide a greater force, it may also require more force to compress it and thus may not necessarily result in a longer distance traveled. It is important to find a balance between the stiffness of the spring and the amount of force required to compress it.

In terms of efficiently transferring the spring's potential energy into kinetic energy for the scooter, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your scooter is designed in a way that allows for maximum energy transfer from the spring to the wheels. This may involve minimizing friction and ensuring that the wheels are properly aligned and in contact with the ground.

You may also want to experiment with different types of springs, as some may be more efficient at transferring energy than others. Additionally, you can try adjusting the amount of compression on the spring to see if that affects the distance traveled.

In conclusion, while using a stiffer spring may potentially help your scooter travel a longer distance, it is important to consider all factors involved in the design and construction of your scooter. Experiment with different options and make adjustments as needed to find the best solution for your specific scooter design.