mousetrap car question?

Question

When a wheel or axis makes one revolution it travels a distance of 2*pie*r radians. How does that help in making the car travel the greatest distance?

Answer 1

The greater the r, the greater the translational distance the car will travel if the wheel doesn't slip (normal condition).

Keep in mind that the greater the r, the greater the moment of inertia of the wheel (I=m*r^2) as well which keeps the car going in the same direction, creates the greatest angular momentum of the wheels at lower speeds, and requires more torque to get it rolling.

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