Balloon Car Competition

General:

Newton’s three law of motion describe well how things move on friction surface. A balloon race is one of the examples which rely on Newton’s third law of motion. As the air rushes backward out of the balloon, it pushes the car forward in the opposite direction with an equal force. Every participant’s job is to make the most of this force. Thus, participant shall design, build and race lightweight “gas”-powered vehicles which can travels the farthest distance from the starting point.

Materials:

Any material may be used in design, as long as the structure meets the design and contest rules as outlined below. However, race car made from recycle or reuse material will contribute more marks.

Design and Contest Rules:

• The car must be the individual’s invention.
• The car must be completely powered by the “gas” in the balloon. No other propulsion systems such as rubber bands are allowed.
• Only air can be present in the balloon during the run. Gases such as helium gas, hydrogen gas are not allowed.
• Participants are only to use the balloon specified which is latex balloon. Only maximum of two balloons are allowed to be attached on the car.
• There will be only 60 seconds for participant to tie the balloon given on their car.
• The balloon can be inflated to any size as long as it does not burst. If the balloon burst during the run, it will counts as an official run.
• The car must have a minimum of three wheels.

Judging:

• Judging criteria are Design, Creativity and Environmental Friendly, (20%), Length of Car (10%), Weight of Car (10%) and Distance traveled (60%).
• Only two balloons will be supplied at the competition. Participants are not allowed to bring their own balloons.
• All cars will be inspected, measured and weighted by judges before they are raced. Once the car is measured and weighed, there cannot be any changes in the car.
•  Distance travelled contributes the most mark. Distance is measured from the starting line to the farthest point of travel, utilizing a straight line to connect the two points.
• The car must move a minimum of 1 meter, in order for the score to be recorded.
• There will be two runs for each car; the better run will be used for final scoring.
• The score will be based on the distance that the car travels. Lightest and shortest car give the second most marks.