2007 Physics Olympiad

SolarWheels
 

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The information below is subject to change as more event tips and details are included.  Please monitor this page regularly.

Event Description:

Before coming to the Olympiad, each team is given a kit consisting of various mechanical and electronic parts to design, build and race a model solar car.  During the competition the students will race their car on a timed course.  The fastest time wins.

Additional information: each team will be provided with a solar panel (12 cm x 4.5 cm; with active surface of 11.5 cm x 4.0 cm) and a small electric motor (3/4" diameter x 1" long) fitted with a pulley of outer diameter 1/4". These items (together with a digital voltmeter) will be shipped to participants to arrive on Monday, April 30th. Before coming to the competition, each team will design and build their solar racer using the motor and solar cell provided. Each team will provide the rest of the materials to construct their solar racer. HINT: materials that can be easily be found around the home such as plastic bottle caps, rubber bands, cardboard, coffee stirrers, drinking straws, etc., will be useful for constructing your racer.

Event Location and Time:

Location: T.B.A.

Time:
10:30 - 11:50 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.

Apparatus and Materials:

The following equipment will be provided:

  • A  two silicon solar power cells kit

  • A  digital multimeter to test power output

  • Sheet of aluminum foil

  • Sheet of carboard

Event Rules:

  • Teams must have no more than four members.
  • The competition consists of a timed race over a fixed course
  • No items other than those provided may be used during the competition.
  • No addition mechanical forces may be applied by contestants during race (e.g. no pushing or wind power); only light from the sun is allowed.
  • In case of cloudy conditions the event may be held indoors, in which case please make sure the solar panels can be mounted at different angles.

Judging Criteria:

  • The teams are ranked in terms of the time taken to complete the race course.
  • The team with the shortest completion time is the winner.
  • Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals will be awarded to the teams with the highest three scores, respectively.
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Revised: March 08, 2007.