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How do you make a self propelled car?

I need intelligent answers please (Pre-AP Physics). I've done this experiment in the 4th grade unfortunately I don't remember...please and thank you! (My partner and I were thinking about using a 2 liter bottle, rubber band chain, and a propeller...wheels and axle will be decided later) - Car must go a distance of 1meter - You may not purchase kits -NO CHEMICAL REACTIONS (only stored mechanical energy)

Public Comments

1. Why not just used compressed air? Use a soda bottle and pump air into it with a bicycle pump. You can experiment and see how much air you can compress (PSI) before it bursts, but it should have more than enough 'energy' in that compressed air to propel the car one meter. Make a nozzle for the bottle and when you open the nozzle, the gas escapes, and propels the car forward. VERY easy and VERY few moving parts. Get a tire valve stem like is used on an automobile rim and see if you can install it on the bottle or on the cap. Cap is better because you can emove or tighten the cap, and then pressurize the bottle. Rig up another hose or something off the bottle that goes to the nozzle and see if you can get the car to move with just escaping air. If not, then rig up an axle with little paddles on it, like a paddle boat, and aim the air at the paddles so the moving air moves the axle in the direction you want to move the car, and let 'er rip.....use your imagination.
2. Yes, a mousetrap is an excellent idea. It can go five meters and more. There are plans and tips and ideas on the Internet. Feel free to email me if you need help; I've given this as an assignment to my classes.