I need ideas for my Chemistry project

[metallicafan18]

I'm in 10th grade and in my Chemistry 1 class we have a new project, and I wanted to see if I could get any good ideas on here.

Here's what is it:
We need to build a model car that will move 75 Ft.

Here are the restrictions:
-no open flame (can use sparks started by electricity)
-all 4 wheels must touch the ground at least once before hitting the 75 foot marker

The school record is .27sec, so I want to try to beat this.

Any ideas?

[bassman03]

Is there a way that you could have an alkaline/water reaction to do that? or would the only ones that have enough power be too explosive (literally)

[username n/a]

Have it propelled by someone on cocaine.

[Muusers]

0.27 sec? That sure is fast. Or do you mean 27 sec? Does it have to be a chemical reaction providing the power? Any weight, height, width, sophistication restrictions?

[metallicafan18]

As long as it can't hurt anybody if it explodes, I won't get in trouble, but if it does explode, I fail it.

And yes it is .27. I tried to get the teacher to tell me what that group did, but he would not tell.

There are no size or weight restrictions that I know of.

Oh yeah, also, no gasoline can be involved.

[Muusers]

So you're looking for some chemical reaction that will create a lot of pressure which will thrust your cart forward, right?
EDIT: How is it the race timed? From the moment your cart moves or from the moment your reaction starts?

[dj150888]

....75ft in 0.27seconds? I reckon your teacher is pulling your leg or you've made a mistake.

That works out at an average speed of 188.89mph......from a standing start? I really doubt it.

[fdeck]

A battery is a chemical reaction.

[metallicafan18]

I don't think he is. I really believe it.

Also, it is timed by the time he says go till it hits the 75ft. mark. So all time that it takes to actually make it start counts.

[bigblondeafro87]

Can you use rubber bands, springs, or a pressurized gas?

[Muusers]

This 0.27 seconds really bothers me, it doesn't make any sense. 2.7 seconds ok, even 1 second is extremely fast, but 0.27...

[dj150888]

Like I said, averaging out at 188.89mph, from a standing start, I reckon anything that can do that is considerably beyond the means of a 10th grade student, but I'm interested in being proved wrong.

[Jim Nazium]

You could make a Diet Coke + Mentos rocket engine ...

[dj150888]

Find me one of those that'll average out at that sort of speed Jim and I'll personally paypal you $100!

[metallicafan18]

Originally Posted by Muusers

So you're looking for some chemical reaction that will create a lot of pressure which will thrust your cart forward, right?
EDIT: How is it the race timed? From the moment your cart moves or from the moment your reaction starts?

Correct. In the post above I explain how the timing is worked out.

[metallicafan18]

Originally Posted by Jim Nazium

You could make a Diet Coke + Mentos rocket engine ...

that was tried last year and it just spun in circles.

[metallicafan18]

There are some very very smart kids in our school, so I am not doubting the .27 speed at all.

[dj150888]

Originally Posted by metallicafan18

There are some very very smart kids in our school, so I am not doubting the .27 speed at all.

I don't doubt for a second that there are some very smart kids at your school, but just think about the exact figures. The acceleration required is just impractical.

[metallicafan18]

It does seem unreal. haha. You never know though.

[Eric Perry]

Originally Posted by Muusers

This 0.27 seconds really bothers me, it doesn't make any sense. 2.7 seconds ok, even 1 second is extremely fast, but 0.27...

My first thought as well.