Speed and Direction

Question 1

What value represents full power on a motor?

Answer 1

127

Question 2

What value represents half power on a motor?

Answer 2

63

Question 3

Changing the power level on a motor roughly correlates to changing what physical property of its movement?

Answer 3

Motor power roughly correlates to speed. If you increase the power level you increase torque (power) which translates to an increase in speed.

Question 4

Positive motor power levels make the motors spin in which direction?

Answer 4

Forward

Question 5

Negative motor power levels make the motors spin in which direction?

Answer 5

Reverse

Question 6

A motor power level of zero makes the motors spin in which direction?

Answer 6

A motor power level of zero makes the motor stop.

Question 7

Answer 7

Question 8

Why do motors given the same powers not always run at the same speeds?

Answer 8

Factors in the robot’s construction, variance between the motors, and friction all impact how much power actually reaches the wheels.

Question 9

Do the motors on the left and right sides of the robot have to be given matching power levels?

Answer 9

No. In fact, most robots require different power levels in order to drive straight.