The document discusses the different forms of energy present in a mousetrap system. It identifies potential energy stored in the compressed spring, kinetic energy as the clamp and wheels begin moving, and heat from friction. It notes that the energy decreases over time as the initial kinetic energy is not transferred effectively to the wheels, causing the movement to stop abruptly. Increasing the power could allow the system to move forward by conveying the energy to the wheels more consistently.

1. Energy in a Mousetrap

2. What forms of energy are present in this system? Heat Forward motion Potential energy in the trap

3. Heat Heat is present because when the mousetrap snaps then with the friction heat is created.

4. Forward Motion In most mousetraps, forward motion is a necessity.

5. Potential energy in the trap When the mousetrap is set, then the energy from that is stored as potential energy. The release of the energy makes the vehicle move forward.

6. Does the Energy Change over time? Yes, the energy changes over time. In our mousetrap, the energy decreased. Our vehicle had a sudden jump forward, but then it immediately stopped. We needed consistent energy.

7. Potential energy in the compressed spring  Kinetic Energy of Clamp Moving  Kinetic Energy of Wheels Moving forward  Friction 

8. What specific changes take place? The changes that took place were the end of the momentum. The trap snapped and then the energy immediately stopped because the energy wasn’t conveyed to the wheels.

9. What role does power play in your system? Power was present but small because the forward movement was very abrupt and then dissipated quickly, the remaining power went downward.

10. How would our system change is power increased or decreased? Our system would have changed because if it increased our system would have actually moved forward.