Balloon
Racers
Balloon racers rely on Newton's 3rd Law of Motion. As air rushes
backward out of the balloon it pushes the car in the opposite
direction with an equal force. Potential energy stored in the balloon
is transferred to kinetic energy of the moving car. Your job is to
make the most of this stored potential energy as it transfers to
kinetic energy and forces the car forward. Take note of where you
see things in this project like PE, KE, FORCE, VELOCITY, MASS,
INERTIA, MOMENTUM, FRICTION and other physics concepts.
The rules to this activity are simple:
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The car must be powered by no more than two 9 inch
balloons.
You can build the car out of anything, except actual toy car
or model car parts (ex. Wheels from a toy car.)
It must have at least three wheels. Wheels are defined as
anything that is round and goes around.
The car must be capable of traveling at least 2 meters
without leaving the ground.
On race day we will set up a track and race the cars. Cars that
follow all of the rules will be eligible for awards. These awards will
be given in three categories:
 Fastest Car (in first 2 meters)
 Farthest Distance Traveled
 Best looking car (voted on by classmates)
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Scoring:
possible points
score
Three or more wheels:
10 pts
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Wheels actually turn/roll:
10 pts
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Effort in design and construction:
10 pts
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Power source/balloon(s) attached:
20 pts
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Used only allowed materials:
20 pts
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Distance: The car must remain on the track during the test.
Total:
Just rolls a little
10 pts
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rolls 1-2 meters
20 pts
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Beyond 2 meters
30 pts
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100 pts
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