Q&A for How to Make a Balloon Car

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  • Question
    Which of these methods work the best?
    Community Answer
    The water bottle one. This is because it has the best aerodynamic shape than the other two. It will also go faster and farther.
  • Question
    Why isn't my car moving forward?
    Community Answer
    Try putting it on slippery surfaces like tiles and use rubber wheels. Avoid making your car too heavy. The lighter it is, the more easily it can move.
  • Question
    What type of balloons work the best?
    Community Answer
    Balloons that hold helium are thicker and can hold more air than ones meant for oxygen. Look for balloons specifically labeled for helium.
  • Question
    Which one can without a doubt go 1.5 meters every time?
    Community Answer
    The 3rd, because it is more aerodynamic in shape and does not weigh a lot, so it can go farther and faster.
  • Question
    How do I keep the balloon upright? It keeps touching the ground and stopping the movement of the car.
    Community Answer
    Make sure it is taped or attached properly and near the top of the car, so that the balloon is not able to touch the ground.
  • Question
    How does the balloon rocket work?
    Community Answer
    It sends the car along the ground with motion. This is called wind power and it helps to propel the car forward.
  • Question
    Why do you put the balloon at the back?
    Community Answer
    If you put it in the front, your car is going to go backward.
  • Question
    How much weight can it carry?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the size of the balloon and the type of motor you use. A smaller balloon or motor will carry less weight.
  • Question
    About how long does it take to build the car?
    Community Answer
    It's up to you and how you decide to build it, but the most it can take is 20 minutes, so 20 minutes or less!!
  • Question
    What kind of wheels are the best?
    Community Answer
    Smart Water bottle caps work great!
  • Question
    How far will the car go?
    Community Answer
    40 - 60 centimeters.
  • Question
    How much tape do I need to put so that the cut straw will stay inside the balloon?
    Community Answer
    Just put glue then three pieces of tape over it so it will hold the car steady.
  • Question
    What are the best type of wheels to use?
    Community Answer
    You can use lego wheels or CDs or rubber wheels from a toy car. You could even use bottle caps.
  • Question
    How do I make a car with wind power instead of a balloon?
    Community Answer
    Use a DC motor, then attach a small fan. Glue the battery and the DC motor at the end of the bottle and attach the DC motor to the battery.
  • Question
    Is there an easier way to make the wheels?
    Community Answer
    You can use Lego wheels or even skateboard wheels with the bearings still on.
  • Question
    What type of balloon should I use for the second method?
    Community Answer
    Any type of balloon except for the long circus-style type is okay.
  • Question
    How do I make a balloon powered car without the use of circular wheels?
    Community Answer
    You can attach your cars to a string suspended above the ground. This is good for comparing different cars because the distance the cars move down a straight string is more accurately measured than the distance across the ground on wheels that might not steer straight.
  • Question
    Is it easy to make these balloon cars?
    Community Answer
    Yes, all of these are easy to create, because the materials are commonly found in your home. They work pretty well if you follow the instructions correctly.
  • Question
    What is the measurement for the straw?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what you are using. It should definitely be longer than the side you are taping it on. You want to make sure there isn't excessive straw, so it really should be the cardboard's length plus the wheels' width times two.
  • Question
    Would this be fun for 11 and under?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this could be a fun activity for kids.
  • Question
    Where we can get the hot glue and what it is its price?
    Community Answer
    You can get a hot glue gun from just about any craft store for about £1.50/£2.00.
  • Question
    What if the straw is too long for the water bottle method?
    Community Answer
    Just use scissors to cut the straw.
  • Question
    How can I stop the wheels from falling off when it moves?
    Community Answer
    You can use some hot glue or super glue to stop the wheels from falling off.
  • Question
    Do I have to use the straw and then skewer or can I just use the skewer as the wheels?
    MORIAH ROSS
    Community Answer
    Well, when making the car if you want the wheels to move then you should have the straw, because that enables the wheels to move and makes it travel farther.
  • Question
    How can I make a car out of a paper plate?
    Community Answer
    Follow Technique #1, but instead of the cardboard, use a paper plate.
  • Question
    What is the best material for the balloon cars?
    Community Answer
    Your best bet is a water bottle, because it is aerodynamic.
  • Question
    How do I make my balloon car go faster?
    Community Answer
    In order to make it go faster, you need to make the car as lightweight and aerodynamic as possible.
  • Question
    Which shape will go the farthest?
    Community Answer
    The bottle one, because it is more aerodynamic in shape and weighs less.
  • Question
    Why are my CDs wobbling on my balloon car?
    Community Answer
    It's wobbling because of how thin the CDs are. Try attaching them to a bottle cap and attaching another disc to the other end of the cap. This should help with the instability, and even though it adds some weight, the two CDs will have less traction than the one bottle cap.
  • Question
    What is the most aerodynamic balloon powered car?
    Community Answer
    The water bottle one, as it has more of an aerodynamic shape and it can go faster and farther.
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