A mousetrap car is a car powered by a mousetrap. It utilizes potential energy, kinetic energy, and mechanical energy. Potential energy is a type of energy an object has because of its position. For example, elastic potential energy of a rubber band depends on how far it is pulled back from rest. The farther it is pulled back, the higher its potential energy. Once the rubber band is let go, the potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy, the energy of movement. The held end of the rubber band snaps to the other end. Mechanical energy is the sum of the potential energy and kinetic energy in an object, associated to its motion and position. An object possessing mechanical energy has the ability to do work. When a force applied to an
