Quantum has a top speed of 105 miles per hour. (Photo by Evan Dougherty, courtesy University of Michigan)
Sun-Powered Speedster
Students hope their solar car will zoom past the competition
The members of the University of Michigan’s solar car team design and build futuristic-looking vehicles. Their cars don’t run on gas—they’re powered solely by the sun. The team tests its designs by racing against other solar-powered vehicles.
The team designed and built a car named Quantum.Quantum participated in the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia. It raced against solar cars from 20 countries and placed third.
“It’s a great experience. It’s fun to apply what you learn in class,” says Eric Hausman. He’s a team leader on the project.
The team has high hopes for this year’s major race, the American Solar Challenge.
WORKING WITH RATE
- Rate = Distance ÷ Time
- Rate of speed is often measured in miles per hour.
EXAMPLE: What is the rate of a car that travels 150 miles in 5 hours?
150 miles (distance) ÷ 5 hours (time) = 30 miles per hour (rate)
In this skills sheet, calculate the rates of the cars designed by the University of Michigan’s team and its competitors during actual races. Round your answers to the nearest tenth.
