Is it possible to make a wind powered car?
People are able to make use of the kinetic energy of the wind by using it to power wind turbines to provide electric power. There are also other uses of the wind, such as to power sailboats! In this experiment, you will build a toy car with a mast and sail, so that it can run on wind power!
How do wind-powered cars work?
The wind pushes the vehicle forward, and once moving the wheels turn the propeller. The propeller spins in the opposite direction to that expected, pushing the wind backwards, which in turn pushes the car forwards, turning the wheels, and thus turning the propeller faster still.
How do you make a toy car for a school project?
Steps
- Clean the plastic bottle. Take the label off the bottle.
- Drill the two holes into each side of the bottle.
- Find your axles.
- Gather four bottle caps.
- Paint the car and wheels.
- Place the axles into the plastic bottle.
- Drill a hole into the lid.
- Cut the top of the bottle to make a windshield.
How do you make a toy car go further?
Apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the end of a cotton swab and rub down the axles and its connections to the car and wheels. Spin the wheels during the application to coat the axle on all sides. Roll the toy car forward on a flat surface to see if it is rolling straight.
How do you make a toy car that moves?
Simply turn your soda can around and around in one direction so that the rubber bands store up some potential energy. Then, place your car on the ground and let the can go. The soda can should spin, releasing all the stored energy and moving your cardboard car! Super cool, right?
What are the advantages of wind-powered cars?
The car can reach speeds of up to 90mph, and has a fan in the front of the car to help generate power. It also runs on batteries, and the wind generated from the fan helps to charge them and keep the car running.