Purpose

                        To investigate how light from different sources and of varying brightness change the speed of the motor and the car. (place the car and/or the drive unit on a small block of wood or other material, so that the front axle turns freely)

Materials

                          1. solar car
                     2. solar panel
                     3. the car (with the terminal strips on which the circuit is connected together)
                     4. light sources of differing brightness (flash camera, optional)
                     5. computer ( microsoft word, WebQuest - "Count Zeppelin and Beyond")

Procedure

                           1. Hold the front side of the solar panel to the light source (diagrams)
                      2. Tilt the panel a little and observe the changes
                      3. Find the point when the speed is maximum, note position (diagrams)
                      4. Move the reading light closer and farther away and note changes
                        5. Observe the two diagrams concerning the sun and the lamp and the shadow cast by each (diagrams)
                      6. Observe the effect of moving the lamp source closer to the solar panel
                      7. Predict what distance will cause changes if any; explain results (WP document)
                      8. Observe the effect of placing a piece of paper (slowly) between the lamp and the solar panel. Explain
                      9. Measure the effect of partial shade on your reading
                     10. Defend the statement:  A solar panel is nothing more than a "reversed LED"
                     

Conclusion

                        How did distance effect solar panel, output of energy, motor speed?
                   How did angle of the light source effect solar panel, output of energy, motor speed?
                  

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