Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Please give me some idea about the model of the boat with the project ''build a motorboat powered by surface tension".

Hi,

I assume the project you are asking about is :

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p010.shtml

There are suggestions on the design of the boat or raft toward the bottom of the writeup, otherwise you should use your imagination. They suggest 3 to 5 cm long, half as wide, and to make it symmetrical.

Have fun with it!

Best Regards,

Barrett Tomlinson

thank your for your reply!
What is your suggestion in making a boat that is "asymmetrical"?

Any a-symetry in the boat will cause some of the forces from surface tension differences to be applied to turning the boat and this will cause the "bow" resistance (a friction type of force) to be increased which will reduce the effectiveness of this method of propulsion.

My suggestion would be stick with a symetrical design (left side matches right side).

Thanks Mr. Bridge!
I know it is suggested that it should be symmetric not asymmetric I only asked it because I want to try it and to identify what is the effect of the shape into the speed of the boat.